Miya Pearson
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, with 77% of pregnant people affected, and issues often peaking in the third trimester. While sleep aids can provide much-needed relief, it is important to know what options are safe. Experts caution against taking natural sleep aids, such as herbal teas, during pregnancy due to a lack of research on their safety. Over-the-counter medications like Benadryl and Unisom Sleep Tabs are considered safe for treating insomnia during pregnancy, although they may have side effects and could be habit-forming. Melatonin may also be a safe option, but it is important to consult a healthcare provider before use. Prescription sleep medications are generally avoided during late pregnancy due to potential risks to infants.
Safe sleep aids during pregnancy:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Antihistamines | Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Unisom Sleep Tabs (doxylamine) |
| Antidepressants | Fluoxetine (Prozac), Nortriptyline, Amitriptyline |
| Other | Melatonin, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Magnesium supplements |
Non-pharmaceutical methods:
- Limit caffeine intake
- Avoid heavy meals, spicy foods and liquids before bedtime
- Establish a regular bedtime routine
- Exercise earlier in the day
- Use a pressure-relieving mattress topper and pillows
- Keep the bedroom dark and quiet
- Take a warm bath or listen to relaxing music before bed
Cautions:
- Always check with your doctor before taking any medication, even over-the-counter or natural remedies
- Avoid herbal teas, amino acids and minerals, as there is not enough research on their safety
- Avoid prescription sleep medications during late pregnancy
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What You'll Learn
- Safe sleep aids include antihistamines, antidepressants, and melatonin
- Prescription sleep medication should be avoided in late pregnancy
- Consult a doctor before taking any medication, even over-the-counter ones
- Natural sleep aids, such as herbal teas, are not recommended during pregnancy
- Lifestyle changes: limit caffeine, exercise earlier, and establish a bedtime routine
Safe sleep aids include antihistamines, antidepressants, and melatonin
Sleep deprivation during pregnancy can have negative consequences for both the parent and the baby. Poor sleep may increase the risk of developing pregnancy-related diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression. It may also increase the likelihood of premature birth, difficult labor, or the need for a cesarean section. While some healthcare providers opt not to recommend any sleep aids during pregnancy due to limited research on their safety, others believe that the benefits of certain sleep aids outweigh the risks.
Safe sleep aids during pregnancy include antihistamines, antidepressants, and melatonin. Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergies and induce drowsiness. They are also used to alleviate morning sickness and indigestion during pregnancy. About 10 to 15 percent of pregnant people use antihistamines, and studies suggest that certain antihistamines are safe and effective for treating nausea and vomiting. However, more research is needed to understand how antihistamines may affect pregnancy outcomes, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking them.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant that can help balance emotions and improve sleep. While most SSRIs are not known to increase the risk of birth defects, research in this area is ongoing, and some providers recommend waiting until after the first trimester. Additionally, certain SSRIs can inhibit sleep, and experts advise against using them to treat sleep problems during pregnancy. As with antihistamines, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking antidepressants during pregnancy.
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the human body that helps people fall asleep and wake up at appropriate times. Melatonin supplements are commonly used as sleep aids during pregnancy. However, the safety of melatonin supplements for pregnant people and their fetuses has yet to be verified. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking melatonin or any other supplement during pregnancy.
In addition to these safe sleep aids, there are natural options and lifestyle measures to consider. These include using a pressure-relieving mattress topper, placing pillows under the body, keeping the bedroom dark and quiet, establishing a regular bedtime routine, eating and drinking mindfully, managing leg cramps, and exercising earlier in the day.
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Prescription sleep medication should be avoided in late pregnancy
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, affecting 77% of pregnant individuals, with issues often peaking in the third trimester due to discomforts such as frequent urination, nausea, and heartburn. While there are many safe sleep aids available, prescription sleep medication should be avoided in late pregnancy. This is because they may cause breathing and muscle tone problems in infants exposed to these medications.
Pregnant individuals should always consult their healthcare provider before taking any medication, even over-the-counter or natural remedies. Over-the-counter medications such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Unisom Sleep Tabs (doxylamine) are considered safe for treating insomnia during pregnancy, although they may have side effects and could become habit-forming. Melatonin and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are also options that may be safe for pregnant individuals suffering from sleep issues. However, it is important to note that there is limited data regarding the reproductive safety of some medications, such as Ambien (zolpidem) and other sedative-hypnotic agents.
Instead of medication, there are several lifestyle changes and natural remedies that can aid sleep during pregnancy. These include limiting caffeine intake, reducing liquids in the evening, avoiding heavy meals and spicy foods before bedtime, and establishing a regular bedtime routine. Pregnancy pillows can also make side-sleeping more comfortable. Addressing underlying conditions such as depression, anxiety, restless leg syndrome, or sleep apnea may also improve sleep quality during pregnancy.
While sleep aids can provide much-needed relief, it is important to prioritize the safety of the developing fetus. Pregnant individuals should consult their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate intervention for their sleep disturbances, as choosing the right treatment relies on an accurate diagnosis of the problem.
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Consult a doctor before taking any medication, even over-the-counter ones
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, with issues often peaking in the third trimester due to discomforts such as frequent urination, nausea, and heartburn. While sleep aids can provide much-needed relief, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any medication, even over-the-counter or natural remedies. This is because there is limited data regarding the reproductive safety of many sleep medications, and side effects or habit-forming dependencies may occur.
Pregnant individuals should avoid natural sleep aids such as herbal teas, as there is not enough research on their safety for developing fetuses. Some natural products have been associated with problematic side effects in the general population, such as liver damage and rare white blood cell disorders. Instead, it is recommended to address underlying discomforts during pregnancy without the need for pharmaceuticals. This can include limiting caffeine and screen time, taking warm baths, listening to relaxing music, and making the bedroom darker and quieter.
If non-pharmacologic methods fail and sleep deprivation is interfering with everyday activities or causing mental distress, medication may be necessary. Doctors may recommend over-the-counter medications such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Unisom Sleep Tabs (doxylamine), which are considered safe during pregnancy and have shown no increased risk of congenital abnormalities. Melatonin may also be a safe option, but it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before use.
Prescription sleep medications, on the other hand, should generally be avoided during late pregnancy due to potential breathing and muscle tone problems in infants. Antidepressants, including fluoxetine (Prozac) and sedating tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline, are typically used to treat underlying depression or anxiety that may be causing sleep disturbances. While Ambien (zolpidem) and other sedative-hypnotic agents are commonly prescribed for sleep issues, their use during pregnancy is generally avoided due to limited data on their safety.
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Natural sleep aids, such as herbal teas, are not recommended during pregnancy
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, affecting 77% of pregnant individuals, with issues peaking in the third trimester due to discomforts like frequent urination, nausea, and heartburn. While sleep aids can help alleviate these issues, it's important to carefully consider the options available.
Natural sleep aids, such as herbal teas, are generally not recommended during pregnancy due to limited research on their safety for both mother and fetus. The effects of most drugs on the unborn baby are unknown, as they are not typically tested on pregnant women. The human body naturally produces melatonin, a common sleep aid, but supplements of this hormone have yet to be verified as safe for pregnant people and their fetuses. Additionally, some natural sleep aids have been linked to problematic side effects in the general population. For example, the kava plant is associated with liver damage, and the amino acid L-tryptophan has been linked to a rare white blood cell disorder. As such, pregnant people are advised to avoid products with a record of these side effects.
While non-pharmacological measures are generally considered the safest option, they are often ineffective, leaving individuals dealing with the frustrations of sleep disturbances and the negative consequences of poor sleep during pregnancy. These consequences can include an increased risk of developing pregnancy-related diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, preeclampsia, preterm birth, lengthier labor, and cesarean section.
In cases where non-pharmacological measures are insufficient, certain sleep aids may be considered. Over-the-counter medications like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Unisom Sleep Tabs (doxylamine) are considered safe for treating insomnia during pregnancy, although they may have side effects and could become habit-forming. Antihistamines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are also options but should only be taken after consulting a healthcare provider. Melatonin supplements are commonly used during pregnancy, but their safety has not been verified.
Pregnant individuals experiencing underlying disorders like depression or anxiety that affect their sleep may benefit from treatment with antidepressants. While certain antidepressants like fluoxetine (Prozac) and tricyclic agents (including nortriptyline and amitriptyline) are used in this setting, data regarding their reproductive safety is limited, and they are generally avoided during pregnancy. Sedating tricyclic antidepressants may be a better choice for pregnant individuals with sleep disturbances.
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Lifestyle changes: limit caffeine, exercise earlier, and establish a bedtime routine
Sleep is critical for the health of both mothers and their developing babies. Poor sleep during pregnancy may increase the risk of pregnancy-related diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, preterm birth, and postpartum depression. While insomnia during pregnancy isn't always preventable, there are some lifestyle changes you can make to help you get a good night's rest. Here are some tips to improve your sleep hygiene:
Limit caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake. It is also potentially harmful to developing babies. Avoid consuming caffeine later in the day or altogether if you can.
Exercise earlier
Regular exercise can help improve your sleep. If you are healthy and your pregnancy is normal, it is generally safe to engage in regular physical activity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week. If you're new to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts. Choose low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, stationary bicycling, or modified yoga and Pilates. Avoid jerky or high-impact motions that can increase your risk of injury. Stay properly hydrated before, during, and after your workouts, and be mindful of overheating, especially during the first trimester.
Establish a bedtime routine
Maintain consistent sleep and wake times. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day. Use your bed only for sleeping and sex. Keep electronics out of the bedroom, and avoid screens before bed. Avoid eating heavy meals or drinking too much liquid before bedtime. If you experience nausea or leg cramps at night, talk to your doctor about possible treatments or remedies.
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Frequently asked questions
Some natural ways to help you sleep while pregnant include limiting caffeine, avoiding heavy meals and spicy foods, and reducing liquids in the evening, exercising earlier in the day, and making your environment more relaxing.
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Unisom Sleep Tabs (doxylamine) are considered safe for treating insomnia during pregnancy, although they may have side effects and could become habit-forming. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication while pregnant.
Prescription sleep medications are generally avoided during late pregnancy as they may cause breathing and muscle tone problems in infants. However, a doctor may recommend medication to help you sleep while pregnant if you have severe sleep disorders or other medical conditions causing sleep problems. Some prescription medications that may be recommended include melatonin, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and certain antidepressants.
If you are having trouble sleeping while pregnant, it is important to consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication, including over-the-counter or natural remedies. They can help determine the underlying cause of your sleep disturbance and recommend appropriate interventions.
