Identification of sleep problems during pregnancy, coping strategies, and ınfluencing factors: A cross-sectional...

The present study aimed to identify sleep problems during pregnancy, evaluate coping strategies, and examine the influence of individual factors on these issues.

This prospective, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between July 1, 2024, and February 28, 2025, at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Clinic of Sivas Numune Hospital with a sample of 576 pregnant women. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the personal ınformation form, The Sleep Problems Scale for Pregnant Women, and The Coping with Sleep Problems Scale for Pregnant Women. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0, employing descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis.

The participants had a mean age of 28.63 ± 5.15 years and a mean gestational age of 26.38 ± 9.37 weeks. The average sleep problem score was 61.00 ± 10.52, while the mean coping strategy score was 54.48 ± 7.03. The most frequently reported sleep issues were related to physical symptoms and disrupted sleep patterns. The most commonly used coping strategy was "establishing sleep habits." According to the regression analysis, employment status, income level, number of pregnancies, smoking status, caffeine consumption, use of a light source while sleeping, difficulty sleeping with a different bed or pillow, and preferred room temperature had a significant effect on both sleep problems during pregnancy and the coping strategies used (P < 0.001; f1² = 1.348, f2² = 0.724). The model explained 57.4% of the variance in sleep problems and 42.0% in coping strategies.

Sleep problems are prevalent during pregnancy and are significantly associated with personal and lifestyle factors. It is recommended that nurses regularly assess sleep quality in pregnant women and provide individualized interventions to promote better sleep health.