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Melatonin / other sleep aid options?
Penny found 20 sources
with relevant information
4 peer-reviewed research articles
1 professionally-backed source
5 articles from healthcare institutions
Sleep Aids in Pregnancy: What’s Known and What to Consider
Sleep problems are very common during pregnancy, and there are a range of options to consider—both non-medication and medication-based. Here’s what the evidence says about melatonin and other sleep aids during pregnancy.
Melatonin: What We Know and Don’t Know
Evidence is limited and inconclusive
- Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate sleep-wake cycles. It’s also available as an over-the-counter supplement.
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Research in humans has not shown major safety concerns with melatonin use during pregnancy, but there are no large, high-quality studies specifically looking at its safety or effectiveness for sleep in pregnancy.
Melatonin use during pregnancy and lactation: A scoping review of human studies - PubMedContrary to what animal studies have suggested, evidence from clinical studies to date suggests that melatonin use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is probably safe in humans. This review further emphasizes the need for clinical studies on sleep disorders, including exogenous melatonin, during ...Read full articleSource: PubMedThe Role of Melatonin in Pregnancy and the Health Benefits for the Newborn - PMCWai M.G.C. et al., 2017 explained ... days [23]. Another potential application of melatonin could be its use in the treatment of insomnia during pregnancy, but we did not find trials where the primary outcomes suggested the safety or efficacy of melatonin for insomnia or other ...You Asked: Is It Safe to Take Melatonin During Pregnancy? - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthAs is the case with most supplements, ... to use medications with a better characterized reproductive safety profile. That said, there is some very interesting research going on with regard to melatoninandpregnancy....Clinical Update 2020: Melatonin and Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthFor a significant number of women, ... but there is now evidence that sleep disturbance during pregnancy may predispose certain women to perinatal depression or anxiety. Many women ask about the safety of using melatoninduringpregnancy as a sleep aid....
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Most guidelines and experts recommend caution with melatonin during pregnancy because of the lack of robust safety data and because supplement doses are often much higher than what the body naturally produces.
You Asked: Is It Safe to Take Melatonin During Pregnancy? - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthAs is the case with most supplements, ... to use medications with a better characterized reproductive safety profile. That said, there is some very interesting research going on with regard to melatoninandpregnancy....Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking melatonin - NHSMelatonin is not usually recommended during pregnancy because little is known about its effect on babies.Read full articleSource: nhs.ukClinical Update 2020: Melatonin and Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthFor a significant number of women, ... but there is now evidence that sleep disturbance during pregnancy may predispose certain women to perinatal depression or anxiety. Many women ask about the safety of using melatoninduringpregnancy as a sleep aid....
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Some studies suggest melatonin may have potential benefits for certain pregnancy complications, but these are not related to sleep and are not enough to recommend routine use for insomnia.
The Role of Melatonin in Pregnancy and the Health Benefits for the Newborn - PMCWai M.G.C. et al., 2017 explained ... days [23]. Another potential application of melatonin could be its use in the treatment of insomnia during pregnancy, but we did not find trials where the primary outcomes suggested the safety or efficacy of melatonin for insomnia or other ...You Asked: Is It Safe to Take Melatonin During Pregnancy? - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthAs is the case with most supplements, ... to use medications with a better characterized reproductive safety profile. That said, there is some very interesting research going on with regard to melatoninandpregnancy....Clinical Update 2020: Melatonin and Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthFor a significant number of women, ... but there is now evidence that sleep disturbance during pregnancy may predispose certain women to perinatal depression or anxiety. Many women ask about the safety of using melatoninduringpregnancy as a sleep aid....
Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids: What’s Considered Safe
Some options have more safety data than others
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Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and doxylamine (Unisom) are commonly used over-the-counter sleep aids in pregnancy and are generally considered safe when used occasionally and at recommended doses.
Insomnia and sleep deficiency in pregnancy - PMCThis class of drug is available over-the-counter and is widely used in pregnancy for symptoms besides insomnia such as nausea, vomiting, and cold/ allergy symptoms57; 92% of women reported using an over-the-counter sleepaid occasionally during their pregnancy.58 Diphenhydramine was equally ...Sleep in Pregnancy | GW Medical Faculty AssociatesIs it safe to use sleeping medications during pregnancy? Some prescription sleepaids can be used in pregnancy but should be discussed with your OB provider before starting. These medications can be habit forming, and in general, are used sparingly in pregnancy.Read full articleSource: gwdocs.comTreating Insomnia During Pregnancy: Is Trazodone Safe? - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthMore study is needed regarding the safety of trazodone for the treatment of insomnia during pregnancy.
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These medications are also used for nausea in pregnancy, and large studies have not shown an increased risk of birth defects with early pregnancy exposure.
Insomnia and sleep deficiency in pregnancy - PMCThis class of drug is available over-the-counter and is widely used in pregnancy for symptoms besides insomnia such as nausea, vomiting, and cold/ allergy symptoms57; 92% of women reported using an over-the-counter sleepaid occasionally during their pregnancy.58 Diphenhydramine was equally ...Sleep in Pregnancy | GW Medical Faculty AssociatesIs it safe to use sleeping medications during pregnancy? Some prescription sleepaids can be used in pregnancy but should be discussed with your OB provider before starting. These medications can be habit forming, and in general, are used sparingly in pregnancy.Read full articleSource: gwdocs.com
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Tylenol PM (acetaminophen plus diphenhydramine) is also considered safe for short-term use, but regular use of acetaminophen should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Sleep in Pregnancy | GW Medical Faculty AssociatesIs it safe to use sleeping medications during pregnancy? Some prescription sleepaids can be used in pregnancy but should be discussed with your OB provider before starting. These medications can be habit forming, and in general, are used sparingly in pregnancy.Read full articleSource: gwdocs.com
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Prescription sleep medications (like zolpidem/Ambien, eszopiclone/Lunesta, or benzodiazepines) are sometimes used but generally avoided unless symptoms are severe, due to concerns about dependence and possible risks to the baby.
Treatment of Insomnia During Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthSedating tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline, may be a better choice for women with sleep disturbance and have not been associated been associated with an increase in risk of congenital malformation. Benzodiazepines, including Ativan (lorazepam) and Klonopin ...Sleep Pharmacotherapy for Common Sleep Disorders in Pregnancy and Lactation - PMCSleep disturbances are common in pregnancy, andsleep disorders may worsen or present de novo in the course of gestation. Managing a pregnant patient is complicated by the risk of teratogenicity, pharmacokinetic changes, and the dynamic nature of ...Treating Insomnia During Pregnancy: Is Trazodone Safe? - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthMore study is needed regarding the safety of trazodone for the treatment of insomnia during pregnancy.
Non-Medication Strategies: First-Line and Often Effective
Behavioral and lifestyle approaches are recommended first
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is considered the most effective non-medication treatment and is safe in pregnancy.
Insomnia and sleep deficiency in pregnancy - PMCThis class of drug is available over-the-counter and is widely used in pregnancy for symptoms besides insomnia such as nausea, vomiting, and cold/ allergy symptoms57; 92% of women reported using an over-the-counter sleepaid occasionally during their pregnancy.58 Diphenhydramine was equally ...Sleep Pharmacotherapy for Common Sleep Disorders in Pregnancy and Lactation - PMCSleep disturbances are common in pregnancy, andsleep disorders may worsen or present de novo in the course of gestation. Managing a pregnant patient is complicated by the risk of teratogenicity, pharmacokinetic changes, and the dynamic nature of ...Treating Insomnia During Pregnancy: Is Trazodone Safe? - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthMore study is needed regarding the safety of trazodone for the treatment of insomnia during pregnancy.
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Good sleep hygiene (regular sleep-wake times, limiting caffeine, managing fluid intake before bed, and creating a comfortable sleep environment) can help.
Sleep Pharmacotherapy for Common Sleep Disorders in Pregnancy and Lactation - PMCSleep disturbances are common in pregnancy, andsleep disorders may worsen or present de novo in the course of gestation. Managing a pregnant patient is complicated by the risk of teratogenicity, pharmacokinetic changes, and the dynamic nature of ...
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Other options like relaxation techniques, mindfulness, gentle exercise, and addressing physical discomfort may also be beneficial.
Sleep Pharmacotherapy for Common Sleep Disorders in Pregnancy and Lactation - PMCSleep disturbances are common in pregnancy, andsleep disorders may worsen or present de novo in the course of gestation. Managing a pregnant patient is complicated by the risk of teratogenicity, pharmacokinetic changes, and the dynamic nature of ...
When to Consider Medication
Medication may be appropriate if non-drug strategies are not enough
- If sleep problems are severe and affecting your quality of life, it might be beneficial to discuss medication options with your OB/GYN or midwife.
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The choice of sleep aid should be individualized, weighing the risks of poor sleep against the risks of medication exposure.
Treating Insomnia During Pregnancy: Is Trazodone Safe? - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthMore study is needed regarding the safety of trazodone for the treatment of insomnia during pregnancy.Sleep Pharmacotherapy for Common Sleep Disorders in Pregnancy and Lactation - PMCSleep disturbances are common in pregnancy, andsleep disorders may worsen or present de novo in the course of gestation. Managing a pregnant patient is complicated by the risk of teratogenicity, pharmacokinetic changes, and the dynamic nature of ...
Making a Decision About Sleep Aids in Pregnancy
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Melatonin is not routinely recommended due to limited safety data, but current evidence does not show major safety concerns. If you are considering melatonin, it’s important to discuss this with your OB/GYN to weigh potential benefits and unknowns.
Melatonin use during pregnancy and lactation: A scoping review of human studies - PubMedContrary to what animal studies have suggested, evidence from clinical studies to date suggests that melatonin use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is probably safe in humans. This review further emphasizes the need for clinical studies on sleep disorders, including exogenous melatonin, during ...Read full articleSource: PubMedPregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking melatonin - NHSMelatonin is not usually recommended during pregnancy because little is known about its effect on babies.Read full articleSource: nhs.ukYou Asked: Is It Safe to Take Melatonin During Pregnancy? - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthAs is the case with most supplements, ... to use medications with a better characterized reproductive safety profile. That said, there is some very interesting research going on with regard to melatoninandpregnancy....Clinical Update 2020: Melatonin and Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthFor a significant number of women, ... but there is now evidence that sleep disturbance during pregnancy may predispose certain women to perinatal depression or anxiety. Many women ask about the safety of using melatoninduringpregnancy as a sleep aid....
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Over-the-counter antihistamines like diphenhydramine and doxylamine have more established safety records and are commonly used for sleep in pregnancy.
Insomnia and sleep deficiency in pregnancy - PMCThis class of drug is available over-the-counter and is widely used in pregnancy for symptoms besides insomnia such as nausea, vomiting, and cold/ allergy symptoms57; 92% of women reported using an over-the-counter sleepaid occasionally during their pregnancy.58 Diphenhydramine was equally ...Sleep in Pregnancy | GW Medical Faculty AssociatesIs it safe to use sleeping medications during pregnancy? Some prescription sleepaids can be used in pregnancy but should be discussed with your OB provider before starting. These medications can be habit forming, and in general, are used sparingly in pregnancy.Read full articleSource: gwdocs.com
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Non-medication approaches are recommended as the first step and can be very effective for many people.
Insomnia and sleep deficiency in pregnancy - PMCThis class of drug is available over-the-counter and is widely used in pregnancy for symptoms besides insomnia such as nausea, vomiting, and cold/ allergy symptoms57; 92% of women reported using an over-the-counter sleepaid occasionally during their pregnancy.58 Diphenhydramine was equally ...Sleep Pharmacotherapy for Common Sleep Disorders in Pregnancy and Lactation - PMCSleep disturbances are common in pregnancy, andsleep disorders may worsen or present de novo in the course of gestation. Managing a pregnant patient is complicated by the risk of teratogenicity, pharmacokinetic changes, and the dynamic nature of ...Treating Insomnia During Pregnancy: Is Trazodone Safe? - MGH Center for Women's Mental HealthMore study is needed regarding the safety of trazodone for the treatment of insomnia during pregnancy.
Wrapping Up: Finding What Works for You
Sleep issues are very common in pregnancy, and there are a range of safe options to try. Non-medication strategies are usually recommended first, but short-term use of certain over-the-counter sleep aids is considered safe if needed. Melatonin’s safety is not fully established, so it’s best to discuss its use with your OB/GYN, who can help you weigh the options based on your specific situation and symptoms.
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Peer-Reviewed Research
Published, peer-reviewed scientific studies from journals or databases.
1
Melatonin use during pregnancy and lactation: A scoping review of human studies - PubMed
Contrary to what animal studies have suggested, evidence from clinical studies to date suggests that melatonin use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is probably safe in humans. This review further emphasizes the need for clinical studies on sleep disorders, including exogenous melatonin, during ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed
2
The Role of Melatonin in Pregnancy and the Health Benefits for the Newborn - PMC
Wai M.G.C. et al., 2017 explained ... days [23]. Another potential application of melatonin could be its use in the treatment of insomnia during pregnancy, but we did not find trials where the primary outcomes suggested the safety or efficacy of melatonin for insomnia or other ...
6
Insomnia and sleep deficiency in pregnancy - PMC
This class of drug is available over-the-counter and is widely used in pregnancy for symptoms besides insomnia such as nausea, vomiting, and cold/ allergy symptoms57; 92% of women reported using an over-the-counter sleepaid occasionally during their pregnancy.58 Diphenhydramine was equally ...
10
Sleep Pharmacotherapy for Common Sleep Disorders in Pregnancy and Lactation - PMC
Sleep disturbances are common in pregnancy, andsleep disorders may worsen or present de novo in the course of gestation. Managing a pregnant patient is complicated by the risk of teratogenicity, pharmacokinetic changes, and the dynamic nature of ...
A review of sleep-promoting medications used in pregnancy - PubMed
Approximately 4% of adults who have symptoms of insomnia resort to various hypnotic or sedating medications for acute symptom relief. Although typically a common practice for nonpregnant adults, this is not the case for the thousands of pregnant women who also report substantial sleep issues.
Read full article
Source:
PubMed
Comparative efficacy and acceptability of nonpharmacological interventions for sleep disturbance among pregnant women: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis - PMC
Definitive guidelines for screening and managing sleep disturbance during pregnancy do not exist. A broad range of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions are available for addressing sleep disturbances in general adults,11 but there are limitations to managing sleep disturbances ...
Giving melatonin to women in pregnancy to protect the baby's brain and improve long-term outcomes for the baby | Cochrane
Such trials should evaluate maternal and infant short- and longer-term outcomes (including neurosensory disabilities such as cerebral palsy), and consider the costs of care. Wilkinson D, Shepherd E, Wallace EM. Melatonin for women in pregnancy for neuroprotection of the fetus.
Read full article
Source:
cochrane.org
SciELO Brazil - Melatonin use during pregnancy and lactation: A scoping review of human studies Melatonin use during pregnancy and lactation: A scoping review of human studies
There is a lack of randomized, controlled trials examining the efficacy and safety of melatonin as a treatment for sleep disorders during pregnancy or breastfeeding and, notably, insomnia was not the primary outcome measure in any of the studies included in this review.
Read full article
Source:
SciELO
Prenatal Melatonin Therapy Enhances Postnatal Lung Development in a Mouse Model of Inflammation-Induced Preterm Birth
This underscores the potential of maternal melatonin administration as a viable treatment option for complications associated with PTB. Further investigations, particularly in clinical settings, are warranted to validate the translational potential of melatonin in improving pregnancyoutcomes and ...
Read full article
Source:
mdpi.com
The Role of Melatonin in Pregnancy and the Health Benefits for the Newborn
In fact, during the last trimester ... role of melatoninforpregnancy and the benefit of the newborn?” · In Table 1 we have summarized in chronological order the main studies used in our review, the study designs varied over time in terms of case-control, review, peer-review and randomized controlled trial. Table 1 structured in order to facilitate reading for evaluation the types of studies, purposes of the studies and the main outcomes and ...
Read full article
Source:
mdpi.com
Frontiers | Riding the Rhythm of Melatonin Through Pregnancy to Deliver on Time
Here, we review evidence that melatonin helps regulate the maternal and fetal circadian systems and the timing of birth. Finally, we discuss the potential for melatonin-based therapeutic strategies to alleviate poor pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia and preterm birth.
Read full article
Source:
Frontiers
Melatonin Use during Pregnancy and Lactation Complicated by Oxidative Stress: Focus on Offspring’s Cardiovascular–Kidney–Metabolic Health in Animal Models
Despite these data, there remains ... doses) and reported the safety of melatonin for both women and their fetuses, with no adverse events or reactions observed in mothers, fetuses, or neonates [160]. To the best of our knowledge, no trial results focusing on the safety or efficacy ...
Read full article
Source:
mdpi.com
Clinical Guidelines & Professional Sources
Clinical recommendations from government, public health organizations, or professional medical provider associations.
5
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking melatonin - NHS
Melatonin is not usually recommended during pregnancy because little is known about its effect on babies.
Read full article
Source:
nhs.uk
Insomnia: Pharmacologic Therapy | AAFP
Insomnia accounts for more than 5.5 million visits to family physicians each year. Although behavioral interventions are the mainstay of treatment, pharmacologic therapy may be necessary for some patients. Understanding the risks and benefits of insomnia medications is critical.
Medical & Academic Institutions
Information from hospitals, research institutions, or academic medical centers known for clinical expertise and research contributions.
3
You Asked: Is It Safe to Take Melatonin During Pregnancy? - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health
As is the case with most supplements, ... to use medications with a better characterized reproductive safety profile. That said, there is some very interesting research going on with regard to melatoninandpregnancy....
4
Clinical Update 2020: Melatonin and Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health
For a significant number of women, ... but there is now evidence that sleep disturbance during pregnancy may predispose certain women to perinatal depression or anxiety. Many women ask about the safety of using melatoninduringpregnancy as a sleep aid....
7
Sleep in Pregnancy | GW Medical Faculty Associates
Is it safe to use sleeping medications during pregnancy? Some prescription sleepaids can be used in pregnancy but should be discussed with your OB provider before starting. These medications can be habit forming, and in general, are used sparingly in pregnancy.
Read full article
Source:
gwdocs.com
8
Treating Insomnia During Pregnancy: Is Trazodone Safe? - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health
More study is needed regarding the safety of trazodone for the treatment of insomnia during pregnancy.
9
Treatment of Insomnia During Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health
Sedating tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline, may be a better choice for women with sleep disturbance and have not been associated been associated with an increase in risk of congenital malformation. Benzodiazepines, including Ativan (lorazepam) and Klonopin ...
Get a Good Night's Sleep During Pregnancy | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Get tips for better sleep as your body changes during pregnancy.
General Health & Web Sources
Publicly available health-related articles from non-peer-reviewed sources. These may reference research or clinical guidelines, but are not primary sources.
Uncategorized Sources
Information from sources that have not yet been categorized.