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Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
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Sleep disorders in pregnancy.

Rosalia Silvestri1, Irene Aricò1

  • 1University of Messina, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Sleep Medicine Centerof the Neurophysiopathology and Movement Disorders Unit - Messina - Messina - Italy.

Sleep Science (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
|January 1, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Pregnancy commonly impairs sleep after the first trimester due to various factors. Addressing sleep disorders during pregnancy is crucial for maternal and fetal health outcomes.

Keywords:
Diabetes, GestationalHypertensionPregnancyPregnancy-InducedRestless Legs SyndromeSleep Apnea SyndromesSleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders

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Area of Science:

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

Background:

  • Sleep is significantly affected by anatomical, physiological, psychological, and hormonal changes during pregnancy.
  • Sleep disturbances are frequently reported by over half of pregnant women, particularly after the first trimester.
  • Common complaints include pain, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), and nocturia, alongside repositioning difficulties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of sleep alterations during pregnancy.
  • To highlight the association between sleep disorders and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
  • To emphasize the importance of diagnosing and managing sleep issues in pregnant individuals.

Main Methods:

  • This review synthesizes existing literature on sleep changes in pregnancy.
  • It examines the prevalence and contributing factors of poor sleep.
  • The study correlates specific sleep disorders with maternal and fetal complications.

Main Results:

  • Over half of pregnant women report poor sleep quality, with common causes including physical discomfort and increased urination.
  • Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) increases during pregnancy, linked to gestational hypertension and diabetes mellitus (GDM).
  • Insomnia and OSA are associated with pre-eclampsia, labor complications, cesarean sections, and preterm births.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep disturbances are prevalent in pregnancy and multifactorial.
  • Specific sleep disorders like OSA and RLS are linked to significant maternal and fetal health risks.
  • Early recognition and treatment of sleep disorders are vital for improving pregnancy and birth outcomes and preventing postpartum depression.