Doran Roggio asked:


Pregnancy is a time of joy, anticipation, and excitement. During pregnancy there are normal discomforts that a woman may have to experience. One condition that can develop during pregnancy is insomnia. According to the National Sleep Foundation’s 1998 Women and Sleep poll, 78 percent of women report more disturbed sleep during pregnancy than at any other time.

Though insomnia is not life threatening, it can be very distressing, and exhausting. This is especially true for first time pregnancies.

There are several causes of insomnia during pregnancy. As the infant grows, added stress is placed on the woman’s body, pressure on her organs can make it very difficult for the expectant mother to get comfortable. Pressure on her bladder may cause the constant feeling of having to go to the bathroom.

A warm bath and/or relaxation exercise before going to bed can help make the woman more comfortable. Maintaining a comfortable temperature for sleeping, and keeping the bedroom dark and quiet will bring better results. Sound machines, which soothe can help to keep out disturbing and irritating noises.

It could be that lower back pain as a result of the added weight is making it difficult to get to sleep. A firm mattress will help relieve your back pain. If your mattress is too soft, try placing a board under the mattress to make it firmer. Lie on your side with a pillow between your knees, or place the pillow under your knees to cut the pressure in half.

Stress is a known cause of insomnia. Pregnancy brings added stress due to many new factors; hospital bills, work scheduling, loss of funds during pregnancy leave, delivery, health of the baby, health of the mother, responsibilities of parenthood, reaction of siblings are just some of the causes for concern.

Worrying will only compound the problem of insomnia. It is important for the expectant mother to take steps to reduce stress. Take time for yourself. You may have to slow down your pace. Set aside time for reading, thinking, and planning for your new role as a mother. Being informed and preparing for the arrival will reduce stress factors surrounding the pregnancy.

These suggestions for relief do not take the place of medical treatment. The health of the mother and infant are very important and no chances with the delicate condition of the mother should be taken or symptoms ignored. Do not risk that there may be a more serious health related condition. A woman should consult with her doctor if the insomnia persists.

cure for insomnia

Randy Hough asked:


Living with insomnia is one of the most challenging health conditions there is. The side effects are dramatic and touch nearly every aspect of life. The good news is that most conditions respond very well to a natural insomnia treatment.

My intention is certainly not to be a medical authority, serious conditions that have chronic symptoms and neurological causes need medical treatment. Yet even such cases are often helped by natural remedies.

Few things in this world can weaken us faster than insomnia. Besides the obvious fatigue, there is the lack of concentration, memory lapses, irritability, and weakened immune system, just to mention a few symptoms.

A lack of sleep has the effect of bringing out the worst in us. The ability to cope simply goes down the drain. Life becomes like an endless stream of event in which we are required to participate; hopefully without making too many mistakes.

Insomnia can take the zest out of everyday life and dull our senses. To top it off, you just can’t store up sleep, like food for the winter. Talk about something to bring on stress!

What is insomnia?

Everyone experiences the inability to sleep soundly once in a while. It is when it occurs often that the problems arise. Generally, it is defined as:

1. Trouble falling asleep

2. Waking up a lot during the night with trouble returning to sleep

3. Waking up too early in the morning

4. Having un-refreshing sleep, even after 7 or 8 hours of sleep

Losing sleep can cause problems during the day, such as fatigue, trouble thinking clearly or staying focused, or feeling depressed or irritable. It is not defined by the number of hours you sleep every night. Although the amount a person needs varies, most people need between 7 and 8 hours a night.

It is not necessary to lie awake at night, your mind marching through endless scenarios of sleep-depriving worry. There is a way to find the rest and peace you need!

Types of insomnia and their causes

1. Short Term- Lasting from a few nights to a few weeks.

2. Intermittent (on and off)- Short term , which happens from time to time.

3. Long Term or Chronic-Occurs at least 3 nights a week over a month or more.

4. Having un-refreshing sleep, even after 7 or 8 hours of sleep

Chronic insomnia is either primary or secondary. Primary means that it is not caused by any other health problem. Secondary means that it is caused by a medical condition, such as arthritis, cancer, depression. It can also be caused by a partner who snores loudly or poor sleeping conditions, such too much noise or light.

Women and men

Women are much more likely to suffer from insomnia than men. Some research suggests that certain social factors, such as being unemployed or divorced, are related to poor sleep and increase the risk of insomnia in women. Pregnancy and menopause may also disturb sleep. The well known symptom of hot flashes can cause sleeplessness as well. Menopause insomnia can make your days pretty long, fortunately there is a lot you can do to help yourself.

The inability to sleep well can also increases with age.

Are there any solutions that are safe and effective?

If your inability to sleep is primary, that is, not caused by another medical condition, then there are numerous ways to find some well needed rest.

Many old remedies are very effective and totally safe. For example, the warm milk drink before bed often works wonders.

Various herbal drinks such as chamomile are also very good, and there are many other herbal remedies that are non-addictive and have no harmful side effects.

One technique I have used many times is playing soothing sounds such as a rainstorm or even the purring of a cat. These products are designed specifically as sleep aids and have the added benefit of drowning out unwanted noise.

insomnia causes, symptoms, treatment