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Updated: May 28, 2026
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A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Disturbed sleep, a novel risk factor for preterm birth?
Michele L Okun1, James F Luther, Stephen R Wisniewski
1Sleep Medicine Institute and Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. okunml@upmc.edu
Journal of Women'S Health (2002)
|October 5, 2011
Summary
Poor sleep may contribute to preterm birth (PTB) risk. While initial findings showed a link, further research is needed to confirm if disturbed sleep is an independent or mediating factor in adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Sleep Medicine
- Perinatal Health
Background:
- Preterm birth (PTB) etiology is multifactorial, with disturbed sleep being a potential contributor.
- Psychosocial factors may influence the relationship between sleep and PTB.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between sleep disturbance and PTB.
- To determine if psychosocial factors modify the sleep-PTB relationship.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 217 pregnant women with sleep and depression data at 20 or 30 weeks gestation were analyzed.
- Logistic regression models were employed to assess the association between disturbed sleep and PTB.
Main Results:
- Reduced time in bed at 20 weeks gestation was initially associated with increased PTB risk (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.08-1.88).
- This association lost statistical significance after controlling for covariates including depression, SSRI use, PTB history, age, employment, and marital status (OR 1.26, 95% CI .92-1.71).
- No other significant relationships were identified.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary evidence suggests poor sleep may be a risk factor for PTB.
- Further research is required to establish sleep as an independent or mediating risk factor.
- Disturbed sleep appears to play a role in adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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