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Sleep disorders in pregnancy.

Ghada Bourjeily1

  • 1Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University , Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, RI 02905 , USA.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Pregnancy-associated sleep issues, including sleep disordered breathing, can negatively impact maternal health. This review covers sleep changes, disorders, and management strategies during pregnancy.

Keywords:
obstructive sleep apnoeasleep disordered breathingsleep disorderssleep medicine

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Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

  • Sleep disturbances are common in pregnancy, influenced by physiological changes and potentially pathological causes.
  • Sleep deprivation in the general population is linked to physical, cognitive, and adverse health outcomes.
  • Maternal obesity and pregnancy-related physiological shifts increase the risk of sleep disordered breathing, which is associated with poor maternal outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review normal sleep alterations during pregnancy.
  • To provide an overview of common sleep disorders in pregnant individuals.
  • To suggest pregnancy-specific management strategies for sleep disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of pregnancy-associated sleep changes.
  • Overview of prevalent sleep disorders in pregnancy.
  • Discussion of management options considering fetal safety.

Main Results:

  • Pregnancy involves significant anatomical and physiological changes affecting sleep patterns.
  • Sleep disordered breathing is a concern, particularly in obese pregnant individuals, linked to adverse outcomes.
  • Managing conditions like restless legs syndrome and narcolepsy requires careful benefit-risk assessment for mother and fetus.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep complaints in pregnancy necessitate attention due to potential links with adverse maternal outcomes.
  • Understanding pregnancy-specific sleep physiology and pathology is crucial for effective management.
  • Tailored therapeutic approaches are needed to balance maternal sleep health and fetal well-being.