Support Guide
Why Sleep Gets Harder in Pregnancy: What the NHS and Mayo Clinic Say
The NHS and Mayo Clinic both describe sleep getting harder during pregnancy, for different reasons at different points. Here is an overview, with links to each question in more detail — not everything on their pages.
Early on
Mayo Clinic says that during early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone increase and your metabolism is running high, which can cause daytime sleepiness and fatigue.
Later on
The NHS says that later in pregnancy you may feel tired because of the extra weight you're carrying. The NHS says that as your bump gets bigger, lying down can be uncomfortable, and you may need the toilet a lot.
What can disturb sleep
Mayo Clinic lists what it calls "normal symptoms during pregnancy" that might affect or disturb sleep: nausea and vomiting (morning sickness), frequent urination, physical discomfort such as tender breasts and back pain, fetal movement, leg cramps, heartburn, snoring, irregular uterine contractions, shortness of breath, restless legs syndrome, and anxiety about labor and delivery.
When to talk to someone
If you continue to have trouble sleeping during pregnancy, Mayo Clinic says to talk to your health care provider.
The honest part
This is general information, not medical advice. For anything that worries you, talk to your midwife or healthcare provider.
Guides on some of these
- Getting up at night — Getting Up to Pee at Night While Pregnant
- Leg cramps — Leg Cramps at Night in Pregnancy
- Heartburn — Propping Up Your Head and Shoulders at Night in Pregnancy
- Restless legs — Restless Legs at Night in Pregnancy: What Tommy's Says
Where to go from here
Can't Sleep While Pregnant? A Few Suggestions From the NHS covers what the NHS suggests trying.
Sources
NHS — Tiredness and sleep problems in pregnancy (last reviewed 11 March 2024).
Mayo Clinic News Network — Women's Wellness: Sleep tips during pregnancy (28 March 2019).
Checked by Queen Rose on 6 October 2026.
FAQ
Q · Why is it so hard to sleep while pregnant?
Mayo Clinic says a number of pregnancy symptoms might affect or disturb sleep, including frequent urination, leg cramps and heartburn. The NHS says that as your bump gets bigger, lying down can be uncomfortable, and you may need the toilet a lot.
Q · Why am I so tired in early pregnancy?
Mayo Clinic says that during early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone increase and your metabolism is running high, which can cause daytime sleepiness and fatigue.