Sleep Disorders in Pregnancy

Abstract

Sleep disturbances and changes in circadian rhythms are commonly observed in pregnant women. These disorders can result from anatomical, physiological, psychological, and hormonal alterations that can influence sleeping during this phase. Sleep disorders during pregnancy can be responsible for detrimental effects on both mother and foetus. In this chapter we will focus on the epidemiology of sleep disorders, physiological sleep mechanisms and their alterations during pregnancy, as well as on risk factors for sleep disorders in pregnancy. We will then focus of the most frequent sleep disorders during pregnancy, also considering eventual adverse implications for both mother and child, prognosis, and possible pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments.

Impact of sleep disturbance on maternal and foetal outcomes

“…2 The incidence of sleep disturbance during pregnancy occurs about 5-38% of women in their early pregnancy. 3 The alteration in sleep duration and quality may result from a variety of hypothesised and interconnected mechanisms, including shifts in hormone levels, which influences physiologic, metabolic, psychological functions. 4 During the last eight weeks of pregnancy between 52% to 61% women experience reduced and poor-quality sleep with a higher incidence among women with mental condition or a history of smoking.…”

“…4 During the last eight weeks of pregnancy between 52% to 61% women experience reduced and poor-quality sleep with a higher incidence among women with mental condition or a history of smoking. 3 This article reviews what is currently known about the relationship between sleep duration during pregnancy and feto-maternal outcomes. struggle to balance family and work demands are increasingly time-pressed and pulled in multiple directions with work, play groups, household responsibilities, care of family members, school activities, and other responsibilities.…”