Sleep disturbances during pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To assess sleep patterns and prevalence of sleep disturbances during pregnancy.


METHODS
Cross-sectional design; prospective questionnaire.


METHODS
Outpatient, private obstetric clinic.


METHODS
127 consecutive patients, with women evaluated at one of four points in pregnancy, 8-12 weeks (n = 37), 18-22 weeks (n = 28), 25-28 weeks (n = 24), and 35-38 weeks (n = 38).


METHODS
Questionnaire of sleep habits and sleep disturbances.


RESULTS
A large percentage of the women experienced sleep disturbances during pregnancy, These problems included frequent night wakings, difficulty falling asleep, and symptoms of sleep apnea. Few differences in sleep patterns were found across pregnancy, although women were found to sleep more and nap more by the end of pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, especially late in pregnancy.
Mindell
J A
JA
Department of Psychology, St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA. jmindell@sju.edu
Jacobson
B J
BJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors