Sleeping Poorly While Pregnant May Not Be “Normal”

KEYWORDS:
• DEPRESSION, POSTPARTUM
• FATIGUE
• MOOD DISORDERS
• PREGNANCY
• RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME
• SLEEP INITIATION AND MAINTENANCE DISORDERS
• SLEEP APNEA SYNDROMES
• WOMEN'S HEALTH

Trouble sleeping is so ubiquitous in pregnancy that it is easily overlooked as a cause of significant morbidity.

Some sleep disorders often manifest for the first time in pregnancy. Disturbed sleep also may trigger or worsen depression and anxiety, disrupt a woman's relationship with her partner and family, and hamper bonding with her newborn. Its effects may delay a woman's return to work or impede job performance.

Although sleep laboratory studies are the gold standard for research in the field, “it's hard to persuade pregnant subjects to spend several nights in the lab,” concedes sleep researcher Kathryn Lee, RN, PhD.

Disturbed sleep during and after pregnancy is common but can trigger or worsen depression and anxiety, disrupt relationships, and hamper a mother’s bonding with her newborn. (Photo credit: Franken/www.sciencesource.com)

In the past decade, however, researchers have brought polysomnographic equipment into the home or used wrist-worn activity monitors known …