About 6 months ago, I wrote about the benefits of co-sleeping and needing a bigger bed to accommodate my soon to be expanding family. Well, this family is finally getting its king-size bed! It will be delivered in a couple weeks - and not a moment too soon: with my ever-expanding belly and my toddler’s propensity to sleep horizontally across the bed, it’s only gotten more difficult to catch some good zzzz’s. While the bed will surely make a big difference, here are some other tips I’ve found really help to get some sound sleep during the often less-than-comfortable time of pregnancy.

1. Get sleep whenever you can. If you work, take a little catnap in your car on your lunch break, or if you’re at home with young kids like me, nap with them! Totally guilt free.

2. You are probably going to have to experiment with new sleeping positions, unless pre-pregnancy you always slept on your left side, and never moved. At some point, stomach sleeping will obviously get too uncomfortable, and it’s not advised that you sleep on your back as that can restrict blood flow to the fetus. Some women find a body pillow (I have friends who swear by ) helps them get comfortable, but, if you’re short on space like me, sometimes a pillow or two between the legs is all that’s needed.

3. Take a warm bath before bed or ask your husband for a massage to help relax the mind and the muscles.

4. Drink plenty of water during the day but not for several hours before going to bed to help avoid too many middle of the night trips to the bathroom.

5. Do not eat anything heavy for several hours before bed, but don’t go to bed hungry either. Eat something light – apples are good - an hour or so before bed. If heartburn is keeping you up, keep your head elevated with a couple pillows to prevent those gastric juices from coming up.

6. Get some exercise every day. Whether it’s prenatal yoga or hikes in nature or a little walking, regular exercise can really help to regulate and improve sleep quality.

7. Try relaxation techniques. I like to take a few moments to close my eyes and focus in on my belly, try to really connect with the baby growing within. I may daydream or say a little prayer. I visualize an easy birth and a healthy baby and happy family. This really helps to ease any anxiety I might be feeling. Deep breathing also helps to relax - during the visualization, or on its own.

8. Focus on the black. This one works for me within minutes every time! Close your eyes and look deep into the dark of the inside of your eyelids. Focusing only on the dark helps to shut all thoughts and images out, and you’ll be sawing logs before you know it!

9. Read a really boring book
Sweet Dreams! zzzzzzz