It doesn’t really matter if you’re pregnant or not, a quality night’s sleep is always important. But ask any mother-to-be about how their body feels after an average night of shut eye to find out why.
So who better to give advice for pregnant women on how to get a better nights sleep than someone who is involved in making bed? Sealy spokesperson Kerrie Hockless, a mum herself, has shared her five golden rules to assist in a restful night’s shut eye below.
“For most women, pregnancy is a time of great joy, excitement and anticipation. Unfortunately, for many it can also be a time of serious sleep disturbance, even for women who have never had problems sleeping,” Kerry says. “Considering the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy and the prevalence of sleep disorders among pregnant women, it’s no wonder that expectant mothers become so tired.”
Kerrie’s Expert Tips That May Assist Pregnancy Sleep
- Elevate to alleviate – Add an extra pillow under your head before you lie down each night. Sleeping with your head elevated may help alleviate heartburn, a common problem for many mums to be.
- Pregnancy positions – In the third trimester your body might begin to ache from lying in the one position. If you feel like your bed isn’t giving you the support you need, it has been suggested that you try sleeping on your left hand side. This may allow for the best blood flow for the body. Also, avoiding lying flat on your back for a long period of time may also assist.
- Get the right support – Special “pregnancy” pillows may help you sleep better however if you’re looking for full body support you may want to consider a mattress that assists with full body support, particularly in the lower back area, which is where most mattresses tend to dip. At Sealy, we’re often told that partner disturbance is a main cause for Aussies being woken at night, so we focus on cradling the lower back and supporting your bodyweight to help assist you having a deep, restful night’s sleep.
- Schedule naps – Nap time is not just for bubs. A National Sleep Foundation poll found that 51 percent of pregnant or recently pregnant women reported at least one weekday nap and 60 percent reported at least one weekend nap. Your body is more tired. Listen to it. If you can, schedule a nap around midday to relax and refresh.
- Slow down before you stop – Light exercise such as a brisk walk is good for blood flow and relaxation however don’t do too much before bedtime. The hours prior to sleep should be about winding down so, before you go to bed, try a warm bath or shower. You can also practice relaxing breathing techniques while in bed.
Anything to feel better, healthier and more rested, right? You can pick up more sleep tips from the Sealy team via their website. And the tips are really quite good!
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