Why Does the Sleep Cycle Change During Pregnancy?
Whether you are in your first trimester or third, pregnancy can have profound effects on your sleep. If pre-existing sleep difficulties exist, they may worsen and introduce new challenges. Effects of Pregnancy on Sleep The wide-ranging effects of pregnancy on sleep are difficult to explain. The reasons behind the lack of sleep can be physical discomfort, psychological adjustments, and hormonal changes. All these can result in excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue. Hormones: Chemicals Causing Sleepless Nights Ask any doctor and you will get to know, dramatic hormonal changes accompany during pregnancy. This hormonal disbalance impacts several aspects of your body and brain, including mood, physical appearance, and metabolism. These changes also affect the pattern of sleep. Progesterone is one such hormone that is disruptive to sleep as it contributes to frequent urination, heartburn, and nasal congestion. Another hormone that affects sleep during pregnancy is estrogen. It ...