Evie Summers
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, affecting 77% of pregnant individuals, with issues often peaking in the third trimester. This is due to a variety of factors, including nausea, backaches, heartburn, frequent urination, and anxiety. While sleep aids can provide much-needed relief, it is important to consult a healthcare provider and exercise caution when taking any medication during pregnancy. Certain sleep aids, such as benzodiazepines, have been associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations, while others, like melatonin, lack sufficient research to determine their safety during pregnancy. Natural remedies and lifestyle changes are often recommended as safer alternatives to medication.
Can you take a sleep aid when pregnant?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleep disturbances during pregnancy | Very common, affecting 77% of pregnant individuals, with issues peaking in the third trimester |
| Prescription sleep medications | Should be avoided during late pregnancy due to potential breathing and muscle tone problems in infants |
| Over-the-counter sleep aids | Include Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Unisom Sleep Tabs (doxylamine), considered safe for treating insomnia during pregnancy but may have side effects and be habit-forming |
| Melatonin | Crosses the placenta, limited research on its use in pregnancy, some healthcare providers recommend avoiding it while others find it safe and effective |
| Antihistamines | About 10-15% of pregnant people use them, may be safe and effective for treating nausea and vomiting, but more research is needed on their use as sleep aids |
| Natural sleep aids (herbs, amino acids, minerals) | Experts caution against their use due to limited research on safety and potential side effects |
| Lifestyle measures | Regular exercise, napping early in the day, limiting caffeine, reducing fluid intake before bed, avoiding heavy/spicy meals before bedtime |
| Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) | Aids sleep by changing mental and behavioral habits without medication |
| Medical conditions causing sleep problems | Obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, heartburn, depression, anxiety |
| Safe sleep aid options during pregnancy | Doxylamine (Unisom), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), sedating tricyclic antidepressants |
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What You'll Learn
Melatonin supplements
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, affecting 77% of pregnant individuals, with issues often peaking in the third trimester. This is due to a variety of factors, including nausea, backaches, heartburn, frequent urination, and bodily discomfort. Many pregnant people may also experience sleep disorders such as restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea, or sleep disturbance as a symptom of depression or anxiety. Given these challenges, many pregnant individuals wonder if it is safe to take melatonin supplements to aid their sleep.
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the brain that helps regulate sleep and wake cycles. Melatonin levels tend to naturally increase with each trimester during pregnancy. Melatonin supplements are often marketed as sleep aids, and some healthcare providers may recommend them to pregnant individuals experiencing insomnia. However, it is important to note that the safety of melatonin supplements during pregnancy has not been extensively studied. While some research suggests that melatonin supplementation is probably safe during pregnancy, there are also potential risks to consider.
For example, one animal study on pregnant rats found that melatonin supplementation negatively impacted litter size and the growth and mortality rates of the pups. It is unclear if these results can be generalized to humans, but they highlight the need for more research. Additionally, there is a risk that melatonin supplements may contain doses or ingredients that are inconsistent with their labels, as they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
When considering whether to take melatonin supplements during pregnancy, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider. They can help weigh the potential benefits and risks, taking into account your medical history and overall health. Healthcare providers can also suggest non-medication alternatives to improve sleep, such as cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), regular exercise, and addressing underlying pregnancy discomforts.
In summary, while melatonin supplements may be an option for pregnant individuals struggling with sleep, it is important to approach them with caution and under medical supervision. More research is needed to fully understand the safety and efficacy of melatonin supplementation during pregnancy.
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Antihistamines
Unisom SleepTabs (doxylamine) is an antihistamine that is considered safe to take during pregnancy. Doxylamine is probably the safest option when it comes to sleep medications during pregnancy, according to Layan Alrahmani, M.D., a board-certified ob-gyn, maternal-fetal medicine specialist, and member of the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board. Along with doxylamine, the antihistamine diphenhydramine is also considered safe to take during pregnancy, even for extended periods. Benadryl, for example, contains diphenhydramine and can be safely consumed by pregnant women. However, as with any drug, you may experience side effects. Unisom, for instance, may cause dry mouth and malaise and can sometimes be habit-forming.
Cetirizine and loratadine are second-generation antihistamines that have been well-studied in pregnant women, and their use is justifiable. However, it is important to note that while antihistamines are widely used during pregnancy, few studies confirm their safety profiles in humans. Most studies of antihistamine use during pregnancy have focused on their application as a treatment for nausea and vomiting, and more research is needed to understand how antihistamines may affect pregnancy outcomes when used as sleep aids.
Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid medications, including sleep medicines, as most drugs are not tested on pregnant women and the effects on the unborn baby are unknown. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medications during pregnancy.
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Lifestyle changes
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, affecting around 77% of pregnant individuals, with issues often peaking in the third trimester. This is due to a variety of factors, including bodily discomforts such as frequent urination, nausea, heartburn, backaches, and restless legs syndrome. Additionally, stress and anxiety about the baby's health or the challenges of becoming a parent can also contribute to pregnancy insomnia.
Exercise
Regular exercise can promote better sleep, but it is advisable to exercise earlier in the day as exercising too close to bedtime may make it difficult to wind down for sleep.
Napping
Taking naps during the day can help compensate for missed sleep at night. However, it is important to nap early in the day so as not to interfere with bedtime sleep.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT aims to improve sleep by addressing the underlying mental and behavioural habits that may be disrupting sleep. This approach does not rely on medication and can be an effective way to manage insomnia during pregnancy.
Social Support
Pregnancy and childbirth can evoke strong emotions, and it is essential to have a support system in place. Reaching out to friends, family, or a healthcare provider can help manage stress and anxiety, which may, in turn, improve sleep.
Stress Reduction Techniques
Pregnancy is a time of biological and lifestyle changes, which can be stressful. Stress reduction techniques, such as meditation, can help manage stress levels and improve sleep quality. Abandoning television and electronics before bed can also promote better sleep.
Address Underlying Medical Conditions
Certain sleep disorders, such as restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea, are more common during pregnancy. It is important to address these underlying conditions with the help of a healthcare provider, as they can significantly impact sleep quality.
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Prescription medication
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, with nearly 80% of women experiencing some form of sleep disruption. While non-pharmacological interventions are generally considered the safest approach, they are not always effective, and some patients may require medication.
Prescription sleep medications are generally advised against during pregnancy, especially in the later stages, as they may cause breathing and muscle tone problems in infants. Benzodiazepines, for example, have been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm labour, C-section delivery, and withdrawal or toxicity symptoms in newborns. Barbiturates are also not safe to take during pregnancy as they may increase the risk of birth defects, brain tumours, bleeding issues, and withdrawal side effects in newborns.
However, in some cases, the benefits of certain sleep aids may outweigh the risks. Doxylamine, an antihistamine found in Unisom, is considered safe during pregnancy by some healthcare providers. Diphenhydramine, found in Benadryl, has also been associated with no increased risk of congenital abnormalities. Melatonin supplements are another option, although the effects of exogenous melatonin on the development of circadian rhythms and reproductive function in offspring are not yet fully understood.
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any sleep medication during pregnancy. The safety of many sleep aids for pregnant people and their fetuses has yet to be verified due to the exclusion of pregnant women from clinical trials. As such, medication use during pregnancy requires careful consideration of the impact on the mother and fetus, as well as the availability of safer alternatives.
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Herbal sleep aids
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, affecting about 77% of pregnant individuals, with issues often peaking in the third trimester. This is due to many factors, including fluctuating hormones, frequent urination, nausea, heartburn, backaches, and difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position.
Some health care providers opt not to recommend any sleep aids during pregnancy due to limited research on their safety for pregnant people and their fetuses. However, as sleep deprivation during pregnancy can have adverse effects, some pregnant people and their doctors may decide that the benefits of certain sleep aids outweigh the risks.
Pregnant individuals should generally address sleep difficulties without medication or supplements. There are natural options and lifestyle measures to consider, such as herbal teas, aromatherapy, massages, naps, regular exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).
While some herbal teas are not recommended during pregnancy, others are considered safe and can help with insomnia. It is always advisable to check with a doctor before consuming any herbal teas. Here are some herbal teas that may aid sleep:
- Lavender tea: It is considered a safe choice for pregnant women experiencing insomnia.
- Lemon balm tea: This tea can help promote relaxation and calmness during pregnancy.
- Oatstraw tea: This herbal tea can be found in most grocery stores and is recommended by naturopathic physicians to aid sleep.
- Chamomile tea: While chamomile is often marketed as a sleep aid, studies suggest that ingesting it during the final months of pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth and decrease newborn size. However, these findings require further research for confirmation.
In addition to herbal teas, aromatherapy with essential oils can be a controversial but potentially safe option during pregnancy. It is advisable to discuss essential oils with a healthcare provider before use. Massage is another way to incorporate aromatherapy, helping to wind down and clear the mind before bedtime.
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Frequently asked questions
Experts caution against taking natural sleep aids during pregnancy, as there is not enough research on the safety of taking herbs, amino acids, or minerals for a developing fetus. Pregnant people may also wish to avoid certain herbal teas marketed as sleep aids.
Doxylamine, the active ingredient in Unisom, is considered safe during pregnancy. Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, is also considered safe to take during pregnancy.
Prescription sleep medications should be avoided during late pregnancy as they may cause breathing and muscle tone problems in infants. Sedating tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline, may be a better choice for pregnant women with sleep disturbances. Benzodiazepines are not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks.
There are several non-medical sleep aids that can help during pregnancy. These include limiting caffeine intake, reducing fluid intake in the evening, avoiding heavy meals and spicy foods before bedtime, and trying different sleeping positions with a pregnancy pillow. Regular exercise earlier in the day and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) can also help improve sleep.
