54% of women will experience insomnia during their pregnancy, either as “sleep-onset” insomnia (trouble falling asleep) or “sleep-maintenance” insomnia (trouble staying asleep).
An inability to get adequate, quality sleep can impact a pregnant woman’s health on a number of levels. Insomnia during pregnancy has been linked with increased risks of post-partum depression, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes.
Treating insomnia during pregnancy can be a challenge, with few safe prescription options available.
One promising option is magnesium, which has been shown to improve sleep quality, particularly in cases of restless-legs syndrome, and is safe in doses up to 360mg per day in pregnant women.
With the magnesium content in food declining, magnesium deficiency is becoming more prevalent. In addition to its role in addressing insomnia, this essential mineral can be used therapeutically in pregnancy to decrease muscle cramps, headaches, and high blood pressure (more on this in future weekly tips!).
If you haven’t done so already, and want more evidence-based information for your pregnancy, sign up for my free cheat sheet: 8 shortcuts To A Healthy Pregnancy – and stay up-to-date with more great information and announcements about the My Health Pregnancy Plan program.
In health,
Dr Jocelyn Land-Murphy, ND
Terra Life
Disclaimer: The information and content provided is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Please consult the Disclaimer and Terms of Use for full details.
References:
Guerrera, M. et al. (2009). Therapeutic uses of magnesium. American Family Physician, 80(2): 157-162.
Hornyak, M. et al. (1998). Magnesium therapy for periodic leg movements-related insomnia and restless legs syndrome: an open pilot study. Europe PMC, 21(5): 501-505.
Ibrahim, S. & Foldvary-Schaefer, N. (2012). Sleep disorders in pregnancy: implications, evaluation and treatment. Neurology Clinical Practice, 30: 925-936.
National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. (n.d.). Magnesium: fact sheet for health professionals. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/