Miya Pearson
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, with 77% of pregnant people experiencing insomnia, especially in the third trimester. This is due to a combination of pregnancy hormones, nausea, backaches, heartburn, and frequent urination. While sleep aids can provide much-needed relief, it is important to consider the safety of these medications for both the mother and the fetus. Prescription sleep medications are generally advised against during late pregnancy as they may cause breathing and muscle tone problems in infants. However, certain 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 the potential for habit formation. Antihistamines, while not intended to treat sleep issues, are also commonly used to induce drowsiness. Melatonin and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are other possible options, but it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before use.
Sleep aids that can be taken during pregnancy:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Antihistamines | 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 | Melatonin supplements may be a safe option but consult a healthcare provider before use. |
| Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) | May be safe but consult a healthcare provider before use. |
| Doxylamine | Doxylamine, such as Unisom, has shown no increased risk of congenital abnormalities. |
| Diphenhydramine | Diphenhydramine, such as Benadryl, has shown no increased risk of congenital abnormalities. |
| Prescription sleep medications | Should be avoided during late pregnancy as they may cause breathing and muscle tone problems in infants. |
| Natural remedies | Herbal remedies such as ginseng, honey, and nutmeg may help aid sleep without the need for pharmaceuticals. |
| Lifestyle measures | Limiting caffeine, reducing fluid intake in the evening, avoiding heavy meals and spicy foods before bedtime, and staying active during the day can help improve sleep. |
| Relaxation techniques | Relaxation or mindfulness apps, hypnobirthing, and creating a soothing playlist can help ease stress and improve sleep. |
| Sleep environment | Reducing screen time before bed, having a relaxing bedtime routine, and using pregnancy pillows can help improve sleep. |
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Antihistamines
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, affecting 77% of pregnant individuals, with issues often peaking in the third trimester due to physical discomforts such as frequent urination, nausea, and heartburn. While antihistamines are not specifically designed to treat sleep issues, they can cause drowsiness, so many people use them to help with insomnia. About 10 to 15% of pregnant people use antihistamines at some point during their pregnancy, typically to treat nausea and vomiting. Within this context, some antihistamines are considered safe and effective. However, the existing research on antihistamines focuses on their use during the day to treat allergies and nausea, and may not accurately represent the effects of taking antihistamines to induce sleep during pregnancy. More research is needed to understand how antihistamines might affect pregnancy outcomes when used as a sleep aid.
Unisom SleepTabs (doxylamine) are antihistamines that are considered safe to take during pregnancy. However, they can have side effects like dry mouth and malaise, and they may be habit-forming. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is another antihistamine that is considered safe during pregnancy. Melatonin supplements are also considered safe and effective by some doctors, but it is important to note that they are not regulated by the FDA, so there is a risk that the supplements may contain different doses or ingredients than what is listed on the label.
Pregnant individuals should always consult their healthcare provider before taking any sleep aid, including antihistamines, as there are limited data on the safety of these medications for pregnant people and their fetuses. Some healthcare providers opt not to recommend any sleep aids during pregnancy due to the limited research on their safety. Instead, they may suggest non-pharmacological measures to improve sleep, such as limiting caffeine intake, avoiding heavy meals and spicy foods before bedtime, and addressing underlying anxiety and stress.
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Melatonin
During pregnancy, night-time concentrations of melatonin increase steadily after 24 weeks of gestation. Melatonin receptors are present throughout the developing fetus from the earliest stages. There is evidence that melatonin is involved in neurodevelopment and plays an important role in training circadian rhythms in the developing fetus; however, melatonin may have other important actions outside of the brain.
There is some interesting research regarding melatonin and pregnancy. Most of this research comes from animal studies, which have shown that melatonin can reduce oxidative stress and act as an antioxidant. The placenta produces melatonin, and this source of melatonin is thought to be important for a normal, healthy pregnancy. In animal studies, it has been shown that supplementation with melatonin decreases the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Studies of melatonin in humans with IUGR and pre-eclampsia are in their earliest phases. Preliminary studies also suggest that melatonin supplementation may have a beneficial effect on fertilization rates and embryo quality, likely due to a reduction in oxidative damage.
However, it is important to note that melatonin is not usually recommended during pregnancy because little is known about its effect on babies. If you are pregnant and facing preeclampsia, consult with your doctor before trying melatonin supplementation. Talking to your doctor before taking melatonin or any supplement during pregnancy is of utmost importance. Your doctor will help ensure you aren’t exposing yourself to anything that could potentially harm you or your unborn baby.
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Herbal remedies
Sleep problems are very common during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, and are often caused by physical discomforts such as frequent urination, nausea, heartburn, backaches, and bodily aches. While there are over-the-counter and prescription medications to help you sleep, there are also natural options and lifestyle measures to consider.
- Herbal teas: Drinking herbal tea can help you wind down before bed. Oat straw, lavender, and lemon balm teas are considered safe choices to help with insomnia during pregnancy. However, avoid drinking too much liquid before bed to prevent middle-of-the-night bathroom trips.
- Magnesium supplements: Pregnant women are supposed to consume 350 to 360 milligrams of magnesium per day. Not only does it help build the baby's nervous system, but it can also help ease muscle pain and may help you sleep better. Check with your doctor before use, as too much magnesium can cause diarrhea.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a traditional form of Chinese medicine that is generally safe during pregnancy. It involves inserting thin needles into specific points in the body and is often recommended to treat nausea, fatigue, heartburn, and lower back pain. Ensure you receive treatment from someone trained in prenatal care, as certain pressure points should be avoided during pregnancy.
- Warm baths: Taking a warm bath one to two hours before bedtime can help regulate core body temperature and improve sleep.
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Lifestyle measures
Sleep problems during pregnancy are very common, affecting up to 77% of pregnant individuals. This is due to the many physical and emotional changes that accompany pregnancy, such as frequent urination, nausea, heartburn, backaches, and anxiety about the upcoming birth. While sleep aids may be an option, it's important to consult a healthcare provider first as some common sleep aids are unsafe during pregnancy.
Limit caffeine intake
Caffeine consumption can disrupt sleep, so it's best to limit caffeine during the day and avoid it completely in the afternoon and evening.
Manage fluid intake
Drink less in the evening to reduce urination during the night. However, staying well-hydrated during the day is important to prevent swelling and constipation.
Avoid heavy or spicy meals before bedtime
Consuming heavy or spicy meals before bedtime can cause heartburn and indigestion, making it difficult to sleep.
Snacking before bedtime
Having a light snack before bedtime can reduce nausea and morning sickness, which are common sleep disruptors during pregnancy.
Develop a relaxing bedtime routine
Establish a relaxing bedtime routine that helps you unwind and prepare for sleep. This can include activities such as reading a book, practising yoga, or meditation. Avoid rigorous exercise and the use of electronic devices before bed, as they can disturb your natural sleep cycle and cause unnecessary anxiety.
Maintain a regular sleep schedule
Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. This helps set your body's internal clock and improves the quality of your sleep.
Address stress and anxiety
Pregnancy can be a stressful and anxiety-provoking time. It's important to address these emotions and practise stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness meditation or massage therapy. Writing down your worries before bed can help prevent middle-of-the-night anxiety. Enrolling in classes about labour, delivery, and baby care can also help reduce anxiety about the unknown.
Sleep position
Sleeping on your side, preferably your left side, can help lessen heartburn and provide more room for your organs and baby. Using a maternity or pregnancy pillow can provide additional support and comfort.
Manage room temperature and lighting
Your body temperature tends to increase during pregnancy, so you may feel hotter than usual. Adjust the thermostat to a cooler temperature and use a light blanket to stay comfortable. Make your room as dark as possible to promote sleep.
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Prescription medications
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, affecting 77% of pregnant individuals, with issues peaking in the third trimester due to bodily discomforts such as frequent urination, nausea, and heartburn. While there are many over-the-counter medications available to treat insomnia during pregnancy, the safety of prescription sleep aids for pregnant people and their foetuses has yet to be verified.
Prescription sleep medications should be avoided during late pregnancy as they may cause breathing and muscle tone problems in infants exposed to these medications. Sedative hypnotics, a class of prescription drugs known to relieve anxiety and induce sleep, are also sometimes called tranquilizers. This class of drugs includes benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs), which are some of the most commonly prescribed insomnia medications. However, benzodiazepines have not been proven safe for pregnant women and may cause miscarriage, low birth weight, preterm labour, and C-section delivery. In addition, newborns may experience withdrawal or toxicity symptoms such as sleepiness, abnormal muscle tone, and respiratory or sleep problems.
Barbiturates are also not safe to take during pregnancy as they may increase the risk of birth defects and brain tumours, and may result in bleeding problems and withdrawal side effects in newborns. While there is limited research on the safety of prescription sleep aids during pregnancy, some doctors recommend only using products containing these ingredients if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Antidepressants are another class of drugs that may be prescribed to aid with sleep during pregnancy. However, more research is needed to assess whether they pose any risks to pregnant people and their foetuses. Antihistamines are also sometimes prescribed to aid with sleep during pregnancy, although the existing research on their safety may not accurately represent the effects of taking antihistamines to induce sleep during pregnancy. As always, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medications for sleep during pregnancy.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are some over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids that are considered safe for occasional use during pregnancy. These include Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Unisom Sleep Tabs (doxylamine), Tylenol PM, Sominex, and Nytol. Antihistamines are also an option, as they can cause drowsiness. Melatonin may also be safe, but it is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any sleep aids during pregnancy.
Yes, prescription sleep medications, particularly during late pregnancy, are advised against as they may cause breathing and muscle tone problems in infants. Benzodiazepines were previously thought to cause birth defects, but recent research suggests this may not be the case. However, certain barbiturates have been linked to birth defects and withdrawal symptoms in infants. Experts recommend avoiding natural sleep aids, such as herbs, amino acids, or minerals, as there is limited research on their safety for pregnant people and fetuses.
There are several lifestyle measures and home remedies that can help improve sleep during pregnancy. These include limiting caffeine intake, reducing screen time before bed, practising relaxation techniques, staying active during the day, and addressing underlying discomforts such as heartburn and nausea.
Sleep deprivation during pregnancy can have negative consequences. It can affect your mental health, increase stress and anxiety, and make daily life more tiring. Chronic inadequate sleep has also been linked to gestational diabetes. However, it is important to remember that losing sleep will not harm the baby.
