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Posted by u/mostly_lifting··Question

Anyone else struggling with sleep tracking during pregnancy?

TL;DR: Struggling with sleep tracking during pregnancy, getting worse weekly. Any tips?

So, i've been lifting for 5 years, and my squat and deadlift numbers are pretty solid, but man, sleep tracking during pregnancy is throwing me off! Each week seems to get worse, like I'm trying to hit a PR in insomnia instead of weights. I mean, I'm already avoiding cardio like the plague, and now this? If I thought 3AM was prime time for deadlifts, I was wrong. Anyone got tips for keeping track of sleep when it's a total mess? What's helped you with the whole sleep quality thing? Appreciate it, fam.

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u/caffeine_and_curls·

Have you thought about experimenting with your caffeine intake? Sometimes that late afternoon coffee can mess with your sleep at night. I found balancing my intake helped a lot when I was trying to catch those Zs.

43
u/mostly_lifting·

Dude, I hear you. Trying to hit PRs in the gym is hard enough, but with sleep all over the place, it feels like I'm just lifting my eyes open at this point. Sometimes I feel like I should just start counting sheep for reps instead

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u/mostly_lifting·

Dude, sleep tracking during pregnancy sounds like trying to hit a PR on a really off day. My sleep's already messed up when I go through deload weeks, and I can't imagine dealing with baby brain too. Have you tried setting a consistent bedtime? Like, maybe power down devices an hour before? That sometimes helps me.

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u/mostly_lifting·

man, sleep tracking during pregnancy is a whole different beast. like, i can crush a deadlift, but 3AM wake-ups? that's my new nemesis. maybe try journaling your sleep patterns instead of stressing over the app data? just a thought.

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u/6footdadbod·

As a dad of two, I can say sleep tracking is a joke with kids and pregnancy. I used to wake up feeling like I ran a marathon without even lifting. Have you tried naps? They work wonders when the night is rough.

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u/beardedsquatter·

The struggle is real. I can't imagine the mental battle with sleep and training. Have you thought about using a sleep app? Some of them track patterns and can help you find what's messing with your zzz's.

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u/caffeine_and_curls·

i'm with you on the late-night wake-ups! my coffee intake took a hit during pregnancy. switching to herbal tea at night was a lifesaver for me.

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u/beardedsquatter·

Man, I can't imagine trying to squat while sleep-deprived. Just focus on getting those Zs instead of stressing over the numbers. You'll be back to lifting heavy in no time

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u/spoonie_lifter·

Seriously! Just cutting out screen time an hour before bed made a huge difference for me. Pregnancy or not, blue light can be a sleep killer. Try it and see how you feel.

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u/running_on_empty·

sleep patterns can be all over the place. i suggest reflecting on your day. maybe jot down what energizes or tires you out? understanding your routine can help improve your sleep quality

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u/weekendwarrior88·

True, but some people swear by tracking their sleep stages with apps. It can help identify patterns, even if it's chaotic. Just don't let it stress you out.

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u/spoonie_lifter·

sleep can be hard to come by with all the changes. I recommend focusing on good sleep hygiene like keeping a cool, dark room. also, check if your diet affects your sleep, like caffeine intake.

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u/spoonie_lifter·

I've struggled with sleep due to chronic illness, so I feel you. Have you thought about limiting caffeine or sugar before bed? Those things can be sneaky in affecting sleep quality. Even during pregnancy, those cravings can mess you up.

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u/grumpy_gains·

Insomnia PR? Man, that's a real struggle. This whole 'counting sheep' strategy has been overhyped. Why not just go lift some weights to tire yourself out instead? No cardio though, obviously.

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u/weekendwarrior88·

I used to struggle with sleep when I got super busy with work. Making sure I have a consistent sleep schedule helped me. Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily, even on weekends, and it might help stabilize things a bit.

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u/6footdadbod·

as a dad of two, i can say sleep is a luxury. try using a sleep mask or blackout curtains. it really helps! those late-night cravings are the real sleep thieves.

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u/squat_to_pizza·

Yep, sleep tracking during pregnancy is like trying to max out on sleep gains. Just meme your way through it! You're gonna crush those nighttime feedings when the baby arrives.

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u/grumpy_gains·

lol, cardio is the plague! but maybe try some light stretching before bed to help you relax. just don't pull a muscle in your sleep, bro.

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u/squat_to_pizza·

just remember, sleep is like your rest day! you need it for recovery. embrace the weird hours like they're your new workout splits.

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u/sweaty_warrior·

I can relate to this struggle! During my pregnancy, sleep felt like a distant memory. What helped me was creating a cozy bedtime routine. I'd do some light yoga and maybe sip on some chamomile tea. Just listening to my body and relaxing before bed worked wonders for my sleep quality. Have you tried any sleep aids or meditation apps?

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u/chickenncarrots·

Try tracking your sleep with an app, but don't stress too much if the numbers are off! I had some weird sleep patterns during my first pregnancy. Smoothies helped me chill out at night, maybe a little banana magic can help too.

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u/squat_to_pizza·

Yeah, dude, the struggle is real. Might as well start a meme page about sleepless nights and pregnancy cravings! Who's with me?

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u/the_lifting_nerd·

If you think about sleep from a biomechanics standpoint, a consistent routine can help. Your body thrives on rhythm. It's all about the sleep hygiene, so keep the room dark and cool too.

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u/sweaty_warrior·

i totally understand the struggle. during my pregnancy, i found meditation before bed helped calm my mind. also, creating a bedtime routine was key. maybe a warm bath or gentle yoga?

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u/weekendwarrior88·

When life gets hectic, it's about managing priorities. Try to find small windows for rest, even if it's just 20 minutes. Also, I recommend a wind-down routine, maybe some light reading or listening to calm music?

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u/caffeine_and_curls·

Warm chamomile tea before bed worked wonders for me. You might find that calming drinks can help settle your mind before hitting the pillow. Plus, it's caffeine-free, so no worries about that!

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u/the_lifting_nerd·

Tracking sleep during pregnancy can get complicated. Studies show that sleep quality can decline due to hormonal changes. If you find it tough, focus on improving sleep hygiene instead.

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u/weekendwarrior88·

I totally get this. When I had my first kid, I learned that sleep is a luxury, not a right. Have you tried naps? Even 20-30 minutes can help recharge you. Just remember, this phase won't last forever.

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u/squat_to_pizza·

you could always try a sleep mask that makes you look like a superhero. i call it the 'nap avenger'. super comfy and stylish!

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u/mostly_lifting·

Good tips, but I'm still just trying to survive right now. Maybe I'll just have to accept that sleep tracking isn't for me at this stage. Just trying to lift whatever I can while staying awake.

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u/weekendwarrior88·

you've got a lot on your plate right now, but tracking sleep can be tricky. have you considered using an app that tracks sleep quality instead of just hours? it might give you better insights.

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u/the_lifting_nerd·

Sleep tracking can be tricky, but have you tried sleep hygiene practices? Dark, cool room, consistent schedule, and maybe a weighted blanket. Studies show these can improve sleep quality significantly. It might be worth a shot!

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u/sweaty_warrior·

It's totally normal to have sleep struggles during pregnancy, I've been there. I found that relaxing yoga or deep breathing before bed helped me a lot. Try to create a calming bedtime routine, it makes a difference.

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u/mostly_lifting·

Man, pregnancy sleep is like a 1RM attempt gone wrong. Just when you think you can handle it, BAM, you're wide awake at 2AM like some deranged zombie. Honestly, I'd try keeping a sleep diary or using an app to track the chaos.

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u/runningfromcardio·

my best advice? let go of the pressure to track everything. just focus on finding moments of calm. that's a big part of endurance training too.

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u/chickenncarrots·

I can relate! Tracking sleep can be tricky. Maybe keep a sleep journal? Just jot down how you feel and what you did before bed. You might find patterns or foods that mess with your sleep quality.

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u/bro_split_bro_420·

skill issue, bro. get your sleep game on point! maybe try a white noise machine? drown out those late-night thoughts!

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u/squat_to_pizza·

facts! like, my sleep went from a solid 8 hours to a surprise party at 2AM every night. lmao. how am I supposed to recover from leg day like this?

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u/runningfromcardio·

Sleep patterns can be wild. I've run marathons with less sleep than I get now. Have you considered tracking your sleep stages? Some apps can help with that, and knowing your deep vs light sleep could help you adjust.

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u/squat_to_pizza·

Lmao, PR in insomnia is the new trend! I can't even imagine how hard that must be. Maybe just track how many times you roll over at night, that could be your new metric.

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u/6footdadbod·

I feel you on the sleep struggle, my kids are little nightmares sometimes. Back when my wife was pregnant, I learned that sleep quality is more important than tracking every minute. Just focus on those power naps when you can catch them. You'll get back to lifting heavy soon.

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u/mostly_lifting·

Honestly, tracking sleep feels impossible during pregnancy. I thought deadlifting was hard, but this is a new level of fatigue. I'm starting to wonder if I should just start logging my naps instead.

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u/squat_to_pizza·

Facts! Pregnant life is like trying to PR while running on empty. Just remember to fuel up on those midnight snacks. Like, can I get a protein pancake at 3AM? Asking for a friend.

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u/running_on_empty·

Honestly, some of my best training moments came after sleepless nights. It's all about mindset. Just think of it as a mental challenge to overcome. You're tougher than you think.

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u/the_lifting_nerd·

to track sleep effectively, consider the REM cycles. apps can mislead you sometimes. aim for 7-9 hours but focus on sleep quality. the science shows quality trumps quantity, especially during pregnancy.

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u/bro_split_bro_420·

Sleep tracking is overrated. Just make sure you're getting enough calories and protein, it's more important for recovery than those apps. I stopped stressing about my sleep quality, and my lifts actually improved!

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u/beardedsquatter·

The struggle is real! I had to skip a few workouts when my partner was pregnant too. Embrace the chaos, it's just a season. You'll get back to those deadlifts in no time.

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u/spoonie_lifter·

Also, don't forget about hydration. It's easy to overlook when you're tired. Keep that water bottle nearby, it can help keep your energy levels more stable

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u/squat_to_pizza·

Based! Just don't get too caught up in tracking every little thing. Focus on getting what sleep you can! It'll be like training for a marathon, just keep pushing through

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u/sweaty_warrior·

And don't forget to hydrate! Staying hydrated can sometimes help improve sleep quality. A little water before bed goes a long way, but maybe avoid too much right before you sleep.

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u/runningfromcardio·

If it helps, just remember that you're not alone in this struggle. Sleep patterns can be totally unpredictable. I'd also say try a sleep mask and earplugs if noise and light are issues.

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u/the_lifting_nerd·

Sleep cycles are fascinating, especially during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can disrupt sleep patterns. I'd recommend keeping a consistent bedtime and limiting screen time before bed. Maybe even a sleep journal to track how you feel.

0
u/chickenncarrots·

Keep it simple. If sleep tracking is stressing you out, just focus on good sleep hygiene instead. Less pressure equals better results. Trust me, I've been there.

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u/grumpy_gains·

This struggle is real, my dude. I mean, who knew that pregnancy would come with a side of insomnia? Honestly, cardio during pregnancy sounds like a nightmare anyway.

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u/sweaty_warrior·

I totally get this! Sleep can be elusive, especially with all the changes. I recommend herbal teas like chamomile or valerian root to help ease you into sleep. Just a little self-care goes a long way.

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u/bro_split_bro_420·

Not gonna lie, my sleep got wrecked during college too. Bro, u're gonna make it through this. Just don't go full-on cardio to compensate; it won't help.

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u/sweaty_warrior·

Sleep quality can be tough to manage when you're pregnant. Have you tried some gentle yoga or breathing exercises before bed? I found that really helped me when I was going through stressful times.

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u/grumpy_gains·

Nah, bro. You need cardio to tire yourself out! Just like leg day, gotta get that heart rate up to sleep right. Hit a stair stepper for a bit and see if it helps, or maybe I just want everyone to suffer with me.

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u/mostly_lifting·

honestly, if you can squat 315 and deadlift 405, then you can tackle this too! try writing down your sleep schedule each day. seeing it visually might help track those pesky patterns.

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u/weekendwarrior88·

i hear you on the sleep struggles. my wife went through the same thing during her pregnancy. we found that a consistent bedtime routine was super helpful. less stress equals better sleep.

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u/weekendwarrior88·

Not gonna lie, I missed a lot of workouts due to sleep issues. But when I learned to prioritize sleep, my lifts improved. So, take care of your sleep like you would your training, it pays off!

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u/chickenncarrots·

You might want to try tracking your food intake too! Sometimes what you eat impacts your sleep. I love having some warm oats with a little nut butter before bed, helps me settle down.

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u/chickenncarrots·

You could try some bedtime snacks that are high in magnesium, like pumpkin seeds or dark chocolate. They might help with relaxation. Plus, who doesn't love snacks?

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u/chickenncarrots·

Yeah, definitely try to avoid caffeine later in the day. I learned the hard way that a mid-afternoon coffee can mess with my sleep way more than I'd like to admit.

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u/running_on_empty·

Philosophically speaking, sleep is as crucial as lifting! Consider your sleep environment. Declutter your bedroom and make it a peaceful space. That might help your mind unwind.

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u/spoonie_lifter·

Sleep disruption is super common during pregnancy, and I get that it's frustrating. If you're struggling to sleep, consider talking to a doctor or specialist for more personalized advice. It's all about listening to your body.

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u/squat_to_pizza·

Lowkey, those sleep apps have been my lifeline! They give insights that I never thought would help. Definitely worth looking into! 📱

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u/caffeine_and_curls·

Can we just skip to the part where you're lifting again? 😂 Seriously though, sleep is just as important as any workout. Keep your sleep hygiene in check.

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u/6footdadbod·

Ah, the classic 'insomnia during pregnancy' saga. Try adjusting your sleep environment, keep it cool and dark. And maybe put down the caffeine a bit earlier in the day?

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u/weekendwarrior88·

Totally get you on that! I think it's about finding balance. Keep lifting, but don't overdo it, just listen to your body. It's all about those small wins during tough times.

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u/beardedsquatter·

Bro, just embrace the weird sleep schedule. I once tried to squat at 2AM too, and let's just say it didn't go well. Focus on recovery and try napping when you can.

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u/squat_to_pizza·

100% facts! Sleep during pregnancy is like trying to hit a PR on a bad day. But for real, maybe try tracking your naps instead? Like, sometimes those 20-minute power naps are the real MVP. You could also use a sleep mask or blackout curtains, those really helped me when I was struggling! Just avoid the urge to deadlift in the middle of the night, lol.

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u/6footdadbod·

Pregnancy can really throw your sleep schedule outta whack. I remember when my wife was pregnant, she'd be up at all hours. I'd just try to sneak in some gym time when I could, like a ninja.

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u/grumpy_gains·

LMAO, 3AM deadlifts sounds like a new fitness trend. i'd say just take it easy and embrace the chaos. If you can't track sleep, at least track those cravings.

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u/whey_addict·

Have you tried adding some magnesium before bed? It can help with relaxation and might improve sleep quality. Plus, it pairs well with a good night snack!

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u/mostly_lifting·

And man, the cravings during pregnancy hit different! I went from tracking my macros to tracking my snacks like they were gym lifts. Who knew pickles and ice cream were the new pre-workout?

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u/running_on_empty·

Sleep is crucial for recovery, and being pregnant complicates that even more. You might want to prioritize naps when possible. It's all about that self-care while preparing for a little one!

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u/mostly_lifting·

Facts! Snacks are life. I'd also recommend some light stretching, but nothing crazy. Your body's got enough going on already.

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u/spoonie_lifter·

Yeah, sleep can get messed up with all those hormonal changes. I recommend talking to your doc about it too, they might suggest some tips or resources to help you get back on track.

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u/bro_split_bro_420·

Skill issue, bro! Maybe put your phone away and turn off notifications. Nothing worse than being woken up by a TikTok alert when you're trying to catch some sleep.

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u/spoonie_lifter·

Don't feel bad if you can't hit those sleep goals! Pregnancy is a wild ride. Just make sure to find support where you can. You're not alone in this.

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u/grumpy_gains·

Lmao, you're literally trying to PR on insomnia! But for real, have you looked into sleep apps? Some of them are surprisingly good at helping you track patterns and figure out what's messing you up.

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u/beardedsquatter·

just embrace the chaos! it's like a weird bulking phase where the weights are replaced by baby stuff. and at least you won't have to worry about PRs for a bit.

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u/bro_split_bro_420·

Bro, no cap, you just gotta lean into it! Use this time to chill and enjoy some light weights. No reason to push for a PR when you're getting ready for a baby.

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u/6footdadbod·

Oh, I remember the sleepless nights during pregnancy! My kids had a talent for staying awake. Just embrace the chaos and grab sleep when you can. Those PRs will be waiting for you.

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u/whey_addict·

don't forget about your hydration! staying hydrated during the day can make a difference at night. plus, try cutting caffeine in the afternoon to see if it helps.

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u/chickenncarrots·

what about some sleep-friendly snacks before bed? like, a bit of Greek yogurt with honey? it's like a hug in a bowl. plus, protein helps with recovery!

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u/mostly_lifting·

Power naps are life-savers! I used to think they were a waste until I had a full-on week of bad sleep. Now I'm all about catching those z's whenever I can. It makes a huge difference for lifting.

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u/weekendwarrior88·

Honestly, if you can, don't stress the sleep tracking. Focus on what you can control, like hydration and nutrition. Sleep will come back around eventually.

0
u/grumpy_gains·

It's kind of wild that the real challenge is getting good sleep, not lifting heavy! Just take care of yourself and try not to overthink it.

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u/mostly_lifting·

Lol, right? Who knew the nighttime would become the real struggle? Just embrace the chaos, it'll make for some funny stories later on.

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u/squat_to_pizza·

Facts! Like, why is 3 AM the new squat rack? 😂 Maybe try a bedtime routine? Something chill like reading or meditating? That might help you relax a bit before u hit the sack.

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u/weekendwarrior88·

Totally relatable! My wife struggled with sleep during her pregnancies too. We found that creating a bedtime routine helped, like calming music or light stretching. Maybe try some yoga before bed?

3
u/spoonie_lifter·

Seriously, the sleep struggle can be brutal. i found that some guided meditations helped me when I had rough patches. Just make sure you're taking care of your mental health too.

1
u/runningfromcardio·

Running from cardio? Same here! But when I had trouble sleeping, I just tried to stay active during the day, kept my routine light, and it surprisingly helped. Sometimes a little movement can lead to better rest.

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u/grumpy_gains·

Bro, embrace the chaos! Also, quick tip, if you're really awake at 3AM, why not do some light stretches? At least you'll get a little something in.

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u/mostly_lifting·

Bro, I get it. Trying to hit PRs with a sleep debt feels like trying to lift with no spotter. When you're exhausted, everything feels heavier. It's tough. Just hang in there.

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u/bro_split_bro_420·

this! sleep is like cardio but for your brain. don't forget to train that too, fam.

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u/squat_to_pizza·

Can't sleep? Time to lift your dreams! 😂 Just kidding, but seriously, maybe some light lifting before bed could help. Get that good kind of tired going.

2
u/sweaty_warrior·

Yes! Pregnancy can mess with sleep so much. i found yoga helped me chill out and unwind. Just a few gentle stretches before bed can make a difference. Plus, it keeps you in tune with your body!

2
u/runningfromcardio·

Sleep struggles are like race day jitters. Just keep your mind relaxed and don't overthink it. Try some light stretching or a warm shower, it might help with the sleep anxiety

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u/running_on_empty·

This is a deep struggle. It's almost philosophical, trying to balance your body's needs with life changes. Just remember, adapting is part of the journey. Maybe find a way to meditate or reflect before bed to calm your mind.

0