Sleep During Pregnancy and Offspring Outcomes From Infancy to Childhood: A Systematic Review

Melissa Nevarez-Brewster1, Deborah Han, Erin L Todd

  • 1From the Department of Psychology (Nevarez-Brewster, Han, Todd, Keim, Doom, Davis), University of Denver, Denver, Colorado; and Department of Pediatrics (Davis), University of California, Irvine, California.

PubMed

Insights

Poor prenatal maternal sleep is linked to adverse offspring outcomes, including sleep, physical health, and developmental issues. This systematic review highlights the pervasive effects of maternal sleep on child development.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal Health
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Prenatal sleep problems are associated with adverse birth outcomes.
  • Limited research exists on the impact of prenatal maternal sleep on offspring health post-birth.

Conclusions:

  • Poor prenatal maternal sleep may act as an environmental signal influencing offspring health.
  • Further research is necessary to elucidate the intergenerational and long-term impacts of sleep during pregnancy.
Abstract

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