Insomnia During Pregnancy
Understanding Insomnia During Pregnancy
When we think about pregnancy, we don't usually think about long, sleepless nights. However, most people do not realize pregnancy can cause insomnia. As many as 78% of women have reported sleep disturbances during pregnancy according to a US National Sleep Foundation Study. While there are many causes, the most common cause of insomnia in pregnancy is changing hormone levels and physical discomfort. Rising progesterone levels cause daytime sleepiness, but it also causes night time sleep fragmentation. Additionally, fluctuating estrogen levels can also disrupt sleep. Estrogen, like progesterone, regulates brain waves and sleep-wake cycles.
Insomnia during pregnancy typically becomes worse during the third trimester due to discomfort, changing hormone levels, having to wake up to urinate to name just a few issues.
If that is not enough, research also suggests insomnia in the third trimester is the body's way of preparing for the change in sleep schedule that comes with the birth of a newborn.
How can acupuncture help?
There is no need to suffer sleepless nights because acupuncture and lifestyle changes can help. First of all, acupuncture is safe for use during pregnancy. There is also the additional benefit of reducing stress. Acupuncture increases the amount of gamma-amino butyric acid to enhance sleep quality. Gamma amino butyric acid, also known as GABA, is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter. That means it calms the brain down. Increased GABA levels reduce anxiety, reduce mental stress, enhance sleep, and promote a feeling of wellbeing.
‘There is no need to suffer sleepless nights because acupuncture and lifestyle changes can help...’
Here are some helpful Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7231755/#:~:text=Conclusion,alternative%20treatment%20to%20pharmacological%20therapies.