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Prenatal psychosocial stress and children's sleep problems: Evidence from the ELSPAC-CZ study

Gabriela Ksinan Jiskrova1, Hynek Pikhart1,2, Martin Bobák1,2

  • 1RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.

Journal of Sleep Research
|December 8, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Maternal stress during pregnancy (prenatal stressful life events) is linked to more childhood sleep problems. These issues can persist longer into childhood, suggesting prenatal stress may predispose children to chronic sleep difficulties.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Prenatal exposure to maternal stress is a potential risk factor for adverse child outcomes.
  • Childhood sleep problems are common and can impact development and well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between prenatal stressful life events (PSLE) and the trajectory of sleep problems in children.
  • To determine if PSLE influence the onset and persistence of childhood sleep issues.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from 4,371 children in the Czech Republic (ELSPAC-CZ).
  • Mothers reported PSLE and child sleep problems at ages 1.5, 3, 5, 7, and 11 years.
  • Analyzed data using a Poisson latent growth model, controlling for covariates.

Main Results:

  • Childhood sleep problems were prevalent at 1.5 years and generally decreased over time.
  • Higher PSLE were associated with a greater rate of sleep problems at 1.5 years.
  • Increased PSLE predicted a slower rate of decrease in sleep problems, indicating chronicity.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal exposure to maternal stress is associated with both the initial occurrence and the persistence of childhood sleep problems.
  • Maternal stress during pregnancy may create a predisposition for long-term sleep difficulties in offspring.
  • Findings highlight the importance of mitigating maternal stress during pregnancy for child sleep health.

Keywords:
childhood sleep problemslatent growth modellingprenatal stressful life events

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