What helps if I am struggling to sleep during pregnancy? | Right Decisions

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Mental health in pregnancy and after birth (SIGN)
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What helps if I am struggling to sleep during pregnancy?

Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

If you struggle to sleep (insomnia) while pregnant, it is best to try other things before using a medicine to help you improve your sleep.

Information on improving your sleep is available from Sleeping well | Royal College of Psychiatrists (rcpsych.ac.uk) or handyfactsheetsleephygieneuk.pdf (choiceandmedication.org).

If these things don’t help, see your GP who may be able to offer treatment for insomnia you can access on a phone app.

Sometimes, sleeping difficulties are a sign of an underlying mental health condition. If your sleep is not improving, you should see your GP to assess your mental health further.

Sometimes difficulties sleeping can be linked to suicidal thoughts. If this happens, you should contact your GP, midwife or health visitor urgently. Other support is available.

They may arrange a review with a specialist to help your mental health.