melatonin / other sleep aid options?
Penny cited the following
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.
1ArticleMelatonin 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 ...→
PubMed
2ArticleThe 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 ...→PubMed Central
3ArticleYou 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....→MGH Center for Women's Mental Health - Women's Mental Health Across the Life Cycle
4ArticleClinical 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....→ -
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.
3ArticleYou 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....→4ArticleClinical 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....→5ArticlePregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking melatonin - NHSMelatonin is not usually recommended during pregnancy because little is known about its effect on babies.→
nhs.uk
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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.
2ArticleThe 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 ...→3ArticleYou 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....→4ArticleClinical 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.
6ArticleInsomnia 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 ...→7ArticleSleep 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.→
George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates
8ArticleTreating 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.→ -
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.
6ArticleInsomnia 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 ...→7ArticleSleep 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.→
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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.
7ArticleSleep 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.→
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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.
8ArticleTreating 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.→9ArticleTreatment 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 ...→10ArticleSleep 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 ...→
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.
6ArticleInsomnia 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 ...→8ArticleTreating 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.→10ArticleSleep 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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Good sleep hygiene (regular sleep-wake times, limiting caffeine, managing fluid intake before bed, and creating a comfortable sleep environment) can help.
10ArticleSleep 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.
10ArticleSleep 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.
8ArticleTreating 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.→10ArticleSleep 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.
1ArticleMelatonin 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 ...→3ArticleYou 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....→4ArticleClinical 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....→5ArticlePregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking melatonin - NHSMelatonin is not usually recommended during pregnancy because little is known about its effect on babies.→
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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.
6ArticleInsomnia 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 ...→7ArticleSleep 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.→
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Non-medication approaches are recommended as the first step and can be very effective for many people.
6ArticleInsomnia 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 ...→8ArticleTreating 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.→10ArticleSleep 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 ...→
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.