What are some alternative therapies for sleep disorders during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant, in addition to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), there are other alternative therapies for sleep disorders, including:

• Meditation, which may actually develop parts of the brain that help regulate physical health, including healthy sleep.
• Light therapy, where you expose yourself to bright light in the morning and avoid light in the evening. (Avoiding light at night can be tough in today's world. Limit your exposure to computer and TV screens.)
• Melatonin. Melatonin is effective in regulating the body's internal clock, especially when sleep cycles are disrupted by jet lag. Ask your doctor before taking any supplements.
• Yoga, which not only builds your strength, flexibility and balance, but also incorporates breathing exercises and mediation that have been shown to improve sleep.
• Biofeedback, which involves devices that help patients learn to control their body functions, like heart rate and temperature.

Try out a few of these natural sleep remedies, and see what effect they have on your sleep. Maybe a combination of yoga and meditation would work for you. Or CBT paired with yoga. These therapies might also have other positive benefits on your health during pregnancy, like reduced stress and anxiety and increased energy and focus.