Let’s get real — sleep and I have never had a healthy relationship. I love sleep. It’s one of my all-time favorite activities but I’ve just never been good at it. I’m a night owl through and through. Staying up late? Love it. Getting a full 6-8 hours of uninterrupted rest? Never heard of her. Before pregnancy, even napping was a rare luxury. So let’s just say, now, sleep is basically a myth.
First Trimester: The Sleep High
When I first got pregnant, sleep was my bestie. I was EXHAUSTED 24/7. I could’ve slept through a hurricane. Laundry was piling up to the ceiling. Dishes were practically growing out of the sink. I was physically incapable of doing anything but sleep, and honestly, I didn’t hate it.
Then, around 12 weeks, I started to get some energy back (yay!) — but with that came the cruelest twist: suddenly, sleep was harder to come by.
The Pregnancy Pillow Struggle
Yes, I have the infamous pregnancy pillow. And yes, it’s comfortable. But here’s the thing — I’m used to sleeping on a paper-thin Dollar Tree pillow, so suddenly having this massive, body-wrapping cushion is… overstimulating, to say the least. That said, I do use it because it keeps me from sleeping on my back, which my body desperately wants to do.
Pro tip: If you haven’t bought a pregnancy pillow yet and think the giant ones might drive you nuts, try a pregnancy wedge pillow. It does the same job, but with way less going on. It also, in some cases, provides a lot more support for your growing belly than a pregnancy pillow. Bonus: your partner will thank you. Mine is counting down the days until he can yeet that pillow off the bed.
How I’m Actually Getting Some Sleep While Pregnant
Here’s what’s helped me get some kind of sleep — even if it’s not perfect, it’s something. And if you’re pregnant and struggling too, maybe these will help you catch some zzz’s (or at least keep you sane).
1. Nighttime Showers = Instant Relax Mode
I’m a nighttime shower girly. Morning showers? Couldn’t be me. Taking a warm shower before bed helps me switch off from the chaos of the day and transition into relaxation mode.
Post-shower, I dive into my skincare routine, put on cozy pajamas, and it’s basically like I’m a newborn with a bedtime ritual. Establishing a night routine has genuinely helped me feel more relaxed and ready for sleep.
2. Banning Phones from the Bedroom (Mostly)
My phone used to be my bedtime BFF — scrolling through videos, online shopping for candles I definitely didn’t need — pure serotonin. But we all know screen time before bed is basically the sleep devil. So, I decided to ditch the phone (aside from the occasional text or late-night Google search).
Short-form videos? BANNED from the bedroom. Those things will have you wide awake until 3 AM wondering why giraffes have long necks. Now, my only options are reading or watching a show. Turns out, boredom can be a powerful sleep aid.
3. Reading Before Bed: Even If You’re “Not a Reader”
If you’ve read my blog on self-care habits, you know I’ve been reading like it’s my full-time job. But reading before bed, specifically? Game changer.
Even if you’re not a bookworm, hear me out. Reading just a few pages can signal your brain to chill. Bonus points if you create a cozy vibe: soft lighting, a comfy blanket, a cute dog curled up next to you, maybe even a candle burning. Whether you doze off from relaxation or boredom — who cares? You’re sleeping, and that’s the goal.
The Real Struggle: Staying Asleep
Here’s where I still need help. Staying asleep.
My brain loves to wake me up in the middle of the night with imaginary stressors that have nothing to do with reality. And let’s not forget the endless pee breaks. I need water before bed, and that means getting up at least 2-3 times a night.
So if you have any magic tips or secret hacks on how to stay asleep while pregnant — I’m begging you — leave them in the comments. Help a girl out.
TL;DR: My Go-To Sleep Tips for Pregnancy
- Pregnancy pillow = good, but consider a wedge for less overwhelm.
- Nighttime showers for the win.
- Ban phones and short-form videos from the bedroom.
- Read before bed — even if it’s just a few pages.
Sleep during pregnancy might be the ultimate cruel joke, but with a few adjustments, I’m getting by — one interrupted night at a time.
If you’re a fellow sleepless mama-to-be, let me know what’s been helping you, or just vent in the comments. We’re all in this together (and mostly awake).
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