This archive report was first published on 11 October 2021.
Published on October 11, 2021, a study by the Lancet found that women are more prone to insomnia compared to men, with a lifetime risk of 40% higher in women.
According to Dr. Kireki Omanwa, President of the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (KOGS), hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to insomnia due to the formation of a baby, which takes over a woman's body completely, changing her physiology, blood circulation, breathing system, and skeletal system.
Dr. Omanwa explained that the release of hundreds of hormones, including progesterone, which relaxes muscles, particularly in the digestive and urinary system, can cause women to urinate frequently at night, leading to discomfort and insomnia.
Additionally, the enlargement of the baby in the womb can contribute to discomfort, making it difficult for women to sleep.
Dr. Edith Kamaru Kwobah, a consultant psychiatrist at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, attributed insomnia in women to high societal expectations, including being homemakers, taking care of children, and having careers.
She emphasized the need for women to embrace work-life balance and have mental health issues addressed professionally.
Dr. Omanwa advised pregnant women to use natural ways to relax, such as taking a hot bath, and to avoid watching TV at late hours and being on their phone for long periods.
