11 moms share how they cope with sleep issues during pregnancy

Unfortunately, sleep issues are common in pregnancy – in fact, around one-third of pregnant women experience some type of sleep problem, according to a large study published in Sleep .

Because so many other moms-to-be have issues getting shut-eye, they’ve also tried lots of different tactics to help. From pregnancy pillow recommendations to the recipe for quieting down racing thoughts, check out 11 ideas that helped other expectant moms get the rest they needed.

Treat restless legs with hot water.

“When [ restless leg syndrome ] wakes me up, I find that running my legs under hot water helps me go back to sleep. I let them sit under as hot as I can handle and it helps every time.” – GGzWick

Stay active.

“I notice that when I’m not active, I have restless legs, but when I’m active and workout my legs, it helps a ton. I do 20 squats, go on a walk, stretch my legs, or do leg ups.” – Jcholaa

Pour some milk.

“What usually helps me with sleep is a warm glass of milk and some relaxing music... If I can’t sleep laying down I sit on a rocking chair.” – El1d4

Level up your bath routine.

“I found a bath soak I’m obsessed with – and it puts me to sleep so fast. It’s a magnesium soak with additional minerals...” – MomCore89

Support your hips with a pillow.

“I have hip pain while sleeping… or when I've been standing alot in a day. For sleep, it usually helps me to put a pillow in between my knees. I also switch sides a couple times during the night.” – Smiley0495

Invest in a L-shaped body pillow.

“I find using an L-shaped pillow helps a lot. I put the curve around my feet, hug the top, and put a small blanket under my belly just to take the pressure off…" – Jacey1999

…or test out a wedge pregnancy pillow.

“I just finally got one and I’m 37 weeks …I never wanted a huge pregnancy pillow, so this one has been amazing because it cradles me and my belly. I was getting really uncomfortable at night and would flop between my left and right sides constantly. I thought it might make getting out of bed harder, but it's super pliable and I highly recommend it.” – S2023

Meditate or do breathing exercises.

“When I'm taking a bath with epsom salts at night, [I listen] to a meditation (there’s some on Spotify or the app, Insight Timer )." – Rachejc

Put pen to paper.

“I keep a notepad next to my bed and write down any thoughts I have while I'm in bed. Once it’s on paper, my brain settles." – AndieC84

Combat racing thoughts with relaxing entertainment.

“When I wake up in the night, I put on an audiobook or a podcast; it shuts of my mind and I can slowly drift back to sleep. I also just don’t stress about the loss of sleep… Pregnancy exhaustion is different than newborn exhaustion! Just do the best you can.” – RockinBoyMama

Move to the living room.

“Sometimes the only way I can sleep safely and comfortably is to move to the recliner couch in my living room and place five throw pillows around me. I also use my toddler's sound machine and low lights…” – Ariiu