“Sleep now, while you can!”

How many times have you heard this over the last few months? And how many times has it made you smile through gritted teeth, knowing that a good night’s sleep with a growing bump isn’t as easy as it sounds?

Don’t worry: there are plenty of little tricks to help you sleep more comfortably and wake up feeling refreshed, even in the final months. Read on to discover how to sleep better while you’re expecting!

Sleeping with a bump: why it can be tricky

You’ve probably noticed that you feel more tired than usual, especially in the first few months: your body is busy with a very big job, and it’s completely natural to want a little more rest.

And yet, even when you’re tired, you may not sleep as long or as deeply as you’d like. Sometimes you wake up to nip to the loo, sometimes because you can’t find a comfortable position, and sometimes because your little one has decided to do some gymnastics in your bump in the middle of the night!

So what can you do: give up and count sheep? Not at all! If you’re finding it hard, remember that it’s completely normal, and a few small changes can make a big difference.

Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy more restful nights!

Sleeping positions and good bedtime habits

There are lots of ways to make your nights more comfortable. A lot depends on what keeps you awake and on your daily routine.

Let’s look at them together… whatever is keeping you up at night!

The comfiest positions for sleeping with a bump

In the early weeks you can sleep in whichever position you like best: on your tummy, on your back or on your side.

As your bump grows, though, sleeping on your tummy becomes less and less comfortable, and many mums-to-be find that lying on their back doesn’t feel quite right any more either.

That’s why the position most mums-to-be prefer is on their side, with knees slightly bent and something soft to cuddle. Many find the left side especially comfy.

To support your bump and keep your legs in a comfortable position, you can use a body and nursing pillow… yes, the very same one you’ll use later at feeding time: it can be your best ally for sleeping too!

Koala Hugs Plus: your sleep companion

Koala Hugs Plus wraps around you like a hug: rest your head on one end, place the other between your knees and let its soft curve cradle your bump. The extra cushion can go behind your back, so you stay cosily on your side all night without tossing and turning.

During the day, use it as a backrest when you’re sitting on the sofa or in bed. And once your little one arrives, it becomes a comfy cushion for feeding time, cuddles and Tummy Time.

Good habits for more restful nights

Your sleeping position isn’t the only secret to a good night’s sleep. Here are a few simple habits that can help:

• Create a relaxing bedtime ritual. Take a warm bath, sip a herbal tea, do some gentle stretching or read a few pages of a good book. Try to go to bed at roughly the same time every night and put your phone and laptop away for at least an hour before bed.
• Keep dinner light and skip sweets and chocolate after your evening meal: a heavy dinner can make it harder to drift off.
• Don’t nap for too long during the day. If your eyes are closing, have a rest… just keep it to half an hour or so, otherwise you might not feel sleepy enough at bedtime.
• Stay active during the day. A walk in the fresh air, a swim or a gentle yoga class will help you feel good and make it easier to fall asleep in the evening: a habit worth keeping even after your baby arrives.
• If you often get up at night to go to the loo, drink mostly in the morning and afternoon and a little less from dinnertime onwards, while still sipping water whenever you’re thirsty.
• If lying flat doesn’t feel comfortable, try resting propped up: your Koala Hugs Plus makes a soft backrest for a cosy semi-reclined position.
• If you can’t fall asleep, don’t lie there tossing and turning. Get up, take a little stroll around the house, read a few pages and then go back to bed: sleep will soon come.

As you can see, even if it sometimes feels impossible, a few small changes can bring you more restful nights while you’re expecting. With these tips, and your Koala Hugs Plus to cuddle, we’re sure that both you and your little one will have the sweetest of dreams!