What can pregnant women do about insomnia?

Generally, insomnia in pregnant women may be caused by changes in lifestyle, physiological changes during pregnancy, anxiety and depression, iron deficiency anemia, or gestational hypertension. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the underlying cause and, under the guidance of a professional physician, recover through general treatment and medication. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Lifestyle Changes

Changes in lifestyle during pregnancy can disrupt the existing circadian rhythm, making it difficult for pregnant women to fall asleep or maintain deep sleep, often accompanied by daytime sleepiness and wakefulness at night. Pregnant women should establish a regular sleep schedule, avoid stimulating activities before bedtime such as watching TV or using mobile phones, and maintain a comfortable sleeping environment by adjusting room temperature, lighting, and noise levels.

2. Physiological Changes During Pregnancy

As pregnancy progresses, various physiological changes occur in a woman's body, such as uterine enlargement and hormonal fluctuations. These changes can cause physical discomfort that affects sleep, often accompanied by frequent urination, mood swings, and increased fatigue. It is recommended to adopt a left-side sleeping position to reduce pressure on the bladder from the uterus, avoid excessive fluid intake before bedtime, and try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and yoga to alleviate physical discomfort and emotional fluctuations.

3. Anxiety and Depression

Women may experience emotional fluctuations during pregnancy, and symptoms of anxiety and depression can affect the balance of the nervous system, disrupting normal sleep cycles. These symptoms may be accompanied by low mood, anxiety, and changes in appetite. Seeking psychological counseling and support, along with relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation, can help reduce stress levels.

4. Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells, leading to organ hypoxia and symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and palpitations, which can contribute to insomnia. Additional symptoms may include pale complexion, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating. It is recommended to follow medical advice and take supplements such as ferrous sulfate tablets, vitamin B12 injections, and folic acid tablets to improve anemia. Additionally, consuming iron-rich foods like animal liver and lean meat is beneficial.

5. Gestational Hypertension

Gestational hypertension increases pressure on blood vessel walls, affecting cerebral blood circulation and potentially causing symptoms such as headache and dizziness, which may lead to insomnia. It may also be accompanied by high blood pressure, proteinuria, and edema. Following medical advice, antihypertensive medications such as levamlodipine besylate tablets, metoprolol tartrate injection, and indapamide sustained-release tablets may be used. Additionally, pregnant women should maintain a low-salt diet and regularly monitor blood pressure and urinary protein levels.

When treating insomnia in pregnant women, appropriate treatment methods should be selected based on individual conditions. At the same time, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and a positive mindset is essential.