An inability to sleep deprives your body and mind of a chance to replenish.
- End your day with an aromatic bath including two drops each of lavender, mandarin and neroli essential oils.
- Or one drop of neroli or lavender essential oil on your pillow will help induce sleep.
- Prepare an aromatic massage oil with lavender, mandarin and neroli essential oils. (As a precaution avoid using essential oils on your body in the first trimester).
- Sleep in a well-ventilated room. Oxygen replenishes your cells as you are sleeping.
- Bolster pillows to support your tummy, lower back and legs in the last trimester may improve sleep.
- Massage calms the nervous system and relaxes the mind.
- If you are worried about something, discuss your concerns with your partner or a caring friend.
- Reflexology sessions can balance and ground an energised nervous system.
- Regular exercise improves wellbeing and calms a busy mind.
- Avoid stimulants such as coffee, alcohol and cigarettes at any time of day.
- Drinking chammomile tea before bed is calming.
- Self-help acupressure point Conception Vessel 6, Stomach 16 (AVOID both during first eight months of pregnancy).
- Use Aspen Bach Flower Remedy for anxiety of an unknown cause.
- Use Mimulus Bach Flower Remedy for fears of a known cause.
- Use Cherry Plum Bach Flower Remedy for feelings of panic or fear of losing control.
- Use Elm Bach Flower Remedy to restore composure when feeling overwhelmed.
- Use White Chesnut Bach Flower Remedy for worries that won’t go away.
- Use Rose Rock Bach Flower Remedy for extreme fear, panic or hysteria.
- If you are finding it hard to sleep while feeding your newborn, try not to get too distressed. Sleep deprivation is the worst in the first three months. Your baby will settle after this period. Remember, the more distressed you are, the more your baby will feel it.
- Avoid using sleeping pills. Benzodiazepines such as diazepam or temazepam should not be used at any time during pregnancy. They have been linked to visible malformations, functional problems and behavioural problems in children exposed to them while in the womb. They are known to affect the central nervous system development in early pregnancy.
- In many cases, tranquillisers are taken to counteract the effects of over-stimulation from other social substances such as coffee.
- Studies have also found that over-stimulation can arise from deficiencies in zinc, magnesium, manganese and B complex vitamins, which can easily be corrected once recognised.