Sleep is an essential element for all vital body functions, in addition to its role in restoring energy and enabling the brain to process new information received by the individual. For pregnant women, sleep greatly affects the growth of the fetus. There are many women who suffer from excessive sleep, so what are the reasons behind this? In the following lines, we will review in "Dalili Medical" the reasons for excessive sleep in pregnant women.

What is meant by excessive sleep during pregnancy?

 

The concept of excessive sleep is relative, as it depends on your personal needs and sleep habits. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the amount of sleep necessary to maintain good health varies by age. It is recommended to sleep between 7 to 9 hours a day, which is the rate at which most women find themselves during pregnancy. (Genetic factors and sleep quality may affect these numbers, but they are considered good general guidelines for the amount of sleep required). If you find yourself regularly sleeping for more than 9 to 10 continuous hours and feel rested, this may be an indication that you are sleeping too much. However, if you wake up several times during the night or have disturbances in your sleep pattern, you may need to spend more time in bed to get the necessary rest than usual.

Does excessive sleep during pregnancy affect the fetus?

 

A study has shown that pregnant women who sleep more than 9 hours a day without interruption or frequent awakenings during the night may face certain risks. Cases of stillbirth, known as late stillbirth, were recorded in 153 of these women, which occurred after the 28th week of pregnancy.

What is the average number of hours of sleep recommended for pregnant women?

 

During your pregnancy, you will need at least seven to nine hours of sleep a day, in addition to a few short naps throughout the day. This may be more during the first three months when the level of progesterone in your body is at its highest, making you feel sluggish all the time.

When is excessive sleep during pregnancy a sign of danger?

 

Doctors advise pregnant women to get the appropriate amount of sleep, as this is considered normal and does not cause concern, except in some special cases. These include: If excessive sleep is accompanied by persistent vomiting, unusual weight gain, severe headaches, or paleness and yellowing of the skin. If any of these symptoms appear, it is advisable to consult a specialist doctor for advice. In addition, continuous sleep for periods of up to nine hours or more may be associated with an increased risk of stillbirth, i.e. the death of the child before or during birth. This is due to the mother's blood pressure dropping to low levels during sleep, which negatively affects the growth of the fetus and may lead to premature birth or stillbirth.

Why is sleep so important?

 

Scientific research has proven that sleep is essential for many vital functions in the body, as it helps restore energy and allows the brain to process new information acquired during the period of wakefulness. In the absence of adequate sleep, it becomes difficult to think clearly, respond quickly, concentrate, and control emotions. Chronic sleep deficiency can also lead to serious health problems.

What causes you to feel sleepy during pregnancy?

 

It is normal to feel more tired than usual during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. In the first trimester, your blood volume and progesterone levels increase, which can make you feel sleepy. In the third trimester, the extra weight of your baby and the anxiety associated with the upcoming birth can make you crave more time in bed. Along with these hormonal and physiological changes, you may have trouble getting a good night's sleep. Pregnancy-related issues, as well as increased levels of stress and anxiety, can lead to restless nights. This can make you feel more tired during the day or want to take a nap.

The effect of excessive sleep during the seventh month on the fetus

Excessive sleep does not negatively affect the fetus unless the pregnant woman sleeps on her back or stomach. These positions can impede adequate blood flow, which affects the proper development of the fetus. Sleeping in these positions can also lead to some health problems for both the pregnant woman and the fetus, so it is advisable to avoid them during pregnancy.

Is excessive sleep in the ninth month a sign of labor?

 

As the fetus grows, the pressure on the mother's body increases, especially in the ninth month of pregnancy. Common pregnancy symptoms may continue to appear until the end of this period, such as extreme fatigue, lethargy, frequent urination, shortness of breath, varicose veins, and stretch marks. The fetus's descent into the lower part of the uterus during this month may be the reason behind these symptoms, as this can alleviate problems such as constipation and heartburn, but it directly affects the body's stress and increases the desire to sleep for long periods. Doctors advise pregnant women to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily, but if sleep hours routinely increase to more than 9 to 10 consecutive hours without any interruption, it may be necessary to consult a doctor. Some studies indicate that sleeping for long periods in the last months of pregnancy may increase the risk of stillbirth. About 1% of pregnant women suffer from fetal death after birth for no apparent reason, but it is believed that about 10% of these cases are related to excessive sleep in the ninth month.

Why do pregnant women feel sleepy?

 

The reasons for increased sleep in pregnant women are due to several factors:

**Hormonal changes**Changes in hormone levels can lead to sleep disturbances in pregnant women. For example, high progesterone and low blood sugar levels may cause you to feel tired, fatigued, and sleepyFor longer periods.

**Sleep apnea**If a pregnant woman snores while sleeping and feels tired despite getting enough hours of sleep, this may be due to sleep apnea, a serious disorder that requires medical consultation.

**Insomnia**In the first and third trimesters of pregnancy, a pregnant woman may find herself spending a long time in bed without being able to get a comfortable sleep. This is often due to pregnancy-related pain, in addition to anxiety and stress about childbirth and the responsibilities of caring for the baby after birth.**Gastroesophageal reflux**

Gastroesophageal reflux is one of the problems that prevent pregnant women from getting good sleep. This disorder causes discomfort due to the relaxation of the muscular valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach, allowing food and liquids to return to the throat.

**Increased urination**

In the third trimester of pregnancy, a pregnant woman notices an increase in the number of times she goes to the bathroom during the night, which affects the quality of her sleep. This is due to the increase in the size of the fetus, which puts pressure on the mother's bladder. Reducing fluid intake before bedtime can help alleviate this problem.

**Restless Leg Syndrome*Some nights, pregnant women may experience an uncomfortable and disturbing feeling in their legs due to restless leg syndrome, which may be caused by high levels of estrogen or a deficiency of folic acid and iron. This may lead to sleep disturbances.

**Psychological and physical changes**

The psychological changes that pregnant women may experience include constant anxiety. As for physical changes, they include nausea, vomiting, and back pain, all of which hinder sleep and may cause severe drowsiness.

Hormonal changes are one of the main causes of drowsiness during the first months of pregnancy. In the eighth and ninth months, drowsiness is due to the weight gain resulting from the weight of the fetus and the mother's weight. As for the sixth and seventh months, the significant increase in the size of the abdomen affects the quality of sleep, making it difficult for pregnant women to get a comfortable sleep.

The increasing pressure of the uterus on the bladder and frequent urination at night also reduce the quality of sleep, making the pregnant woman feel more tired and sleepy. In addition, back, buttocks and pelvic pain, low blood pressure and blood sugar are all factors that contribute to feeling tired and needing to sleep. Heartburn at night can also increase this suffering.

What are the problems that may affect sleep during pregnancy or cause excessive sleep?

 

There are several factors that may make your sleep different during pregnancy. These factors include:

** Hormonal changes: ** In the first three months, blood pressure and blood sugar levels may decrease, leading to feeling tired. Also, the increase in progesterone levels during this period may make you want to sleep more.

** Restless legs syndrome: ** Many pregnant women suffer from restless nights due to the need to move their legs. This may be due to high estrogen levels or a deficiency in folic acid and iron.

**Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):** This condition occurs when a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus remains loose, allowing food and liquids to back up into the throat. Pregnancy can make this condition worse, as the extra pressure on the stomach area makes it difficult for the ring to close properly.

**Insomnia:** During the first and third trimesters of pregnancy, you may notice that you spend a lot of time in bed without getting restful sleep. One of the main causes of insomnia is the aches and pains associated with pregnancy. The stress and anxiety levels associated with childbirth and baby care can also lead to waking up for long periods after your usual bedtime.

**Sleep apnea:** If you have difficulty breathing while sleeping, you should consult your doctor immediately. Some studies have shown that some women may develop sleep apnea during pregnancy, due to hormonal and physiological changes. Although this condition may improve after delivery, it can be associated with other health problems, so it is important to get checked.

**Frequent urination:** In the third trimester of pregnancy, you may find yourself waking up several times during the night to go to the bathroom. You may blame your growing baby for the extra pressure it puts on your bladder. You can try reducing your fluid intake right before bed to help, but be careful not to get dehydrated!

Ways to reduce sleepiness during pregnancy

 

Feeling sleepy during pregnancy is a common problem, but it can be overcome by enlisting the help of family and friends to support the pregnant woman throughout the various stages of pregnancy and help her with daily tasks. Here are some tips that may help reduce the feeling of sleepiness and fatigue during pregnancy:

**Following healthy sleep habits**

Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps improve the quality of sleep, which reduces feelings of fatigue and sleepiness the next day. Also, getting out of the house and getting exposed to sunlight for a short period can help regulate the body's internal sleep rhythm.

**The importance of napping during the day**

Taking a short nap in a quiet, cool place for half an hour during the day helps reduce feelings of fatigue and sleepiness. However, it is best to avoid napping in the evening or close to bedtime.

**Reduce caffeine intake**

Excessive caffeine intake in tea and coffee can lead to insomnia at night, causing fatigue and drowsiness the next day. Pregnant women are advised to reduce their caffeine intake to 200 mg per day, which is equivalent to one to two cups of coffee.

**Exercise**

Exercise helps reduce anxiety and stress, and improvesIt improves the quality of sleep at night for pregnant women. It also helps relieve leg pain that they may suffer from during the night. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to exercise for 30 minutes daily, while avoiding exercises in the evening, as this may lead to the secretion of adrenaline in the body, which negatively affects the quality of sleep.

**Eat small meals**

Pregnant women should be careful to eat small meals throughout the day, and avoid eating a large, fatty meal near bedtime, to avoid feeling heartburn at night, as well as to avoid fatigue and drowsiness during the day.