The potential value of sleep hygiene for a healthy pregnancy: a brief review

Beliefs of women of childbearing age on healthy sleep habits: a reasoned action approach elicitation study

There is little information on the determinants of healthy sleep habits (HSH) among women of childbearing age (WOCBA). The objective was to identify WOCBA's beliefs on HSH based on the Reasoned Action Approach. Thirty WOCBA (18-41 years) were randomly assigned to answer questions regarding one of three HSH: avoiding screen use in bed; avoiding caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes before bedtime; and having a regular bedtime and wake up time even on weekends. A content analysis was performed independently by two experts to identify the most important beliefs using a 75% cumulative frequency of mention. Participants reported that adopting the HSH would improve sleep, avoid side effects, help them relax before bedtime and make them feel like they were missing out on things. Adopting the HSH was associated with feeling relaxed and satisfied, but also qualified as unpleasant and abnormal. WOCBA mentioned their parents, partner, siblings and children would approve/disapprove if they adopted the HSH and were the most/least likely to adopt them. Barriers were having activities in the evening and social situations. Facilitating factors were putting their electronic devices away from bed, having alternatives and a regular schedule. These results can guide the development of interventions promoting HSH among WOCBA.

Prevalence and predictors of sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality and their associated perinatal outcomes during the third trimester of pregnancy

OBJECTIVES

Maternal sleep deprivation not only affects the pregnant mother but also has profound effects on the well-being of the foetus. This study aims to assess the prevalence and predictors of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and poor sleep quality (PSQ).

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study conducted among in-patient post-natal women of a tertiary care teaching hospital. A pretested semi-structured standardised questionnaire was administered. EDS was assessed using the Epworth sleepiness scale and PSQ was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

RESULTS

A total of 225 participants were enrolled. The prevalence of EDS was 29.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 23.5, 35.8) and the prevalence of PSQ was 72.9% (95% CI = 66.6, 78.6). The factors (adjusted odds ratio; 95% CI; p-value) that were significantly associated with EDS were age (1.082; 1.019, 3.102; 0.042), being overweight (1.248; 1.012, 3.834; 0.041), low haemoglobin (1.246; 1.007, 4.572; 0.043), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (1.267; 1.001, 7.239; 0.049). On the other hand, the factors associated with PSQ were young age (1.092; 1.035, 3.763; 0.028), being overweight (1.602; 1.029, 2.995; 0.035), low haemoglobin (1.328; 1.004, 4.963; 0.047), and GDM (1.659; 1.284, 4.112; 0.016). No significant associations were found between perinatal outcomes and EDS or PSQ. Additionally, poor sleep practices were observed in our study participants.

CONCLUSION

In this study, EDS and PSQ were significantly prevalent among participants, and their major predictors were age, haemoglobin, being overweight, and GDM.

Gestational sleep deprivation is associated with higher offspring body mass index and blood pressure

Study Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between gestational sleep deprivation and childhood adiposity and cardiometabolic profile.

Methods

Data were used from two population-based birth cohorts (Rhea study and Amsterdam Born Children and their Development study). A total of 3,608 pregnant women and their children were followed up until the age of 11 years. Gestational sleep deprivation was defined as 6 or fewer hours of sleep per day, reported by questionnaire. The primary outcomes included repeated measures of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body fat, serum lipids, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels in childhood. We performed a pooled analysis with adjusted linear mixed effect and Cox proportional hazards models. We tested for mediation by birthweight, gestational age, and gestational diabetes.

Results

Gestational sleep deprivation was associated with higher BMI (beta; 95% CI: 0.7; 0.4, 1.0 kg/m²) and waist circumference (beta; 95% CI: 0.9; 0.1, 1.6 cm) in childhood, and increased risk for overweight or obesity (HR; 95% CI: 1.4; 1.1, 2.0). Gestational sleep deprivation was also associated with higher offspring DBP (beta; 95% CI: 1.6; 0.5, 2.7 mmHg). The observed associations were modified by sex (all p-values for interaction < 0.05); and were more pronounced in girls. Gestational diabetes and shorter gestational age partly mediated the seen associations.

Conclusions

This is the first study showing that gestational sleep deprivation may increase offspring’s adiposity and blood pressure, while exploring possible mechanisms. Attention to glucose metabolism and preterm birth might be extra warranted in mothers with gestational sleep deprivation.

Associations of Sleep With Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity Patterns Across Pregnancy Trimesters

INTRODUCTION

Sleep, sedentary behavior, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) are altered in pregnancy and may affect pregnancy health; however, how these behaviors are associated with each other is unclear.

METHODS

Pregnant women (N = 120) completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and wore an activPAL3 micro and ActiGraph GT3X for 7 days in each trimester to assess sleep, sedentary behavior, and MVPA, respectively. Latent trajectories described patterns of sleep duration, efficiency, and quality as well as sedentary behavior and MVPA. Multinomial logistic regression examined associations of sleep patterns with sedentary behavior and MVPA patterns and, in exploratory analyses, with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

RESULTS

Trajectories were identified for sleep duration (consistently short, 20.7% of sample; consistently adequate, 79.3%), efficiency (consistently low, 17.5%; consistently high, 82.5%), and quality (consistently poor, 15.1%; worsening, 23.5%; and consistently good, 61.5%). Compared with those in more optimal sleep groups, women in the short duration, low efficiency, and worsening quality groups had lower odds of being in the moderate and/or high sedentary behavior group (odds ratio range, 0.21-0.31; 95% confidence interval range, 0.09-0.65). Women in the worsening quality group had greater odds of being in the low MVPA group (odds ratio, 2.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-5.38). Trends were observed with women in less optimal sleep groups having greater odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes and lower odds of excessive gestational weight gain.

CONCLUSIONS

Less optimal sleep patterns in pregnancy are associated with less sedentary behavior and MVPA; additional research is needed to confirm associations between sleep and pregnancy outcomes.

A Pilot Study Evaluating the Effectiveness of the 5As of Healthy Pregnancy Weight Gain

INTRODUCTION

Gestational weight gain (GWG) outside of the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines may be harmful to women and their fetuses. Prenatal health care providers (HCPs) are important sources of health information, but not all discuss GWG with their patients. The Canadian Obesity Network's 5As (ask, assess, advise, agree, and assist) of Healthy Pregnancy Weight Gain (5As) is a tool developed to help HCPs counsel their patients on GWG. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the 5As tool on patient perceptions of GWG discussions with their HCP and to identify suggestions to improve the tool.

METHODS

A quasiexperimental study design was conducted whereby HCPs were trained in using the 5As tool (intervention). Patients were then queried at baseline and postintervention using an electronic questionnaire measuring patient-perceived 5As counseling. Inclusion criteria for pregnant women were (1) currently attending their first appointment with participating HCPs, (2) English-speaking, and (3) over 18 years of age.

RESULTS

One hundred pregnant women (50 baseline, 50 postintervention) and 15 HCPs (11 midwives, 4 obstetricians) participated. Participants receiving care from 5As-trained HCPs reported scores twice as high (P = .047) in being asked about and were approximately 3 times more likely to be advised an exact amount of target weight gain (P = .03). HCPs suggested improving patient handouts and HCP education on GWG guidelines as well as reducing the content presented in the 5As tool.

DISCUSSION

The 5As Tool is effective at initiating HCP-mediated GWG counseling; further research is needed to examine the usefulness of the 5As in clinical practice throughout the length of a full pregnancy. Whether the uptake of the 5As tool contributes to prenatal behavior change remains to be established. Future steps include modifying the tool based on HCP feedback, the development of novel knowledge translation tools, and improved HCP and patient education.

2019 Canadian guideline for physical activity throughout pregnancy

The objective is to provide guidance for pregnant women and obstetric care and exercise professionals on prenatal physical activity. The outcomes evaluated were maternal, fetal or neonatal morbidity, or fetal mortality during and following pregnancy. Literature was retrieved through searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, Education Resources Information Center, SPORTDiscus, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Trip Database from inception up to 6 January 2017. Primary studies of any design were eligible, except case studies. Results were limited to English-language, Spanish-language or French-language materials. Articles related to maternal physical activity during pregnancy reporting on maternal, fetal or neonatal morbidity, or fetal mortality were eligible for inclusion. The quality of evidence was rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. The Guidelines Consensus Panel solicited feedback from end users (obstetric care providers, exercise professionals, researchers, policy organisations, and pregnant and postpartum women). The development of these guidelines followed the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument. The benefits of prenatal physical activity are moderate and no harms were identified; therefore, the difference between desirable and undesirable consequences (net benefit) is expected to be moderate. The majority of stakeholders and end users indicated that following these recommendations would be feasible, acceptable and equitable. Following these recommendations is likely to require minimal resources from both individual and health systems perspectives.

N° 367-2019 Lignes Directrices Canadiennes Sur L'activité Physique Durant La Grossesse

OBJECTIF

L'objectif est de guider les femmes enceintes et les professionnels de l'obstétrique et de l'exercice en ce qui concerne l'activité physique prénatale. RéSULTATS: Les issues évaluées étaient la morbidité maternelle, fœtale ou néonatale et la mortalité fœtale pendant et après la grossesse. DONNéES: Nous avons interrogé MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, la Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, le Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus et la Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, ERIC, SPORTDiscus, ClinicalTrials.gov de leur création jusqu'au 6 janvier 2017. Les études primaires de tous types étaient admissibles, à l'exception des études de cas. Seules les publications en anglais, en espagnol et en français ont été retenues. Les articles liés à l'activité physique durant la grossesse qui abordaient la morbidité maternelle, fœtale ou néonatale ou la mortalité fœtale étaient admissibles. La qualité des données probantes a été évaluée au moyen de l'approche GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation).

VALEURS

Le groupe d'experts responsable des lignes directrices a recueilli les commentaires d'utilisateurs finaux (fournisseurs de soins obstétricaux, professionnels de l'exercice, chercheurs, organismes responsables de politiques, et femmes enceintes et en période postpartum). La directive clinique a été élaborée au moyen de l'outil Appraisal of Guidelines for Research Evaluation (AGREE) II. AVANTAGES, INCONVéNIENTS, ET COûTS: Les avantages de l'activité physique prénatale sont modérés, et aucun inconvénient n'a été relevé; la différence entre les conséquences désirables et indésirables (avantage net) devrait donc être modérée. La majorité des intervenants et des utilisateurs finaux ont indiqué qu'il serait faisable, acceptable et équitable de suivre ces recommandations, qui nécessitent généralement des ressources minimes de la part des personnes et des systèmes de santé. PRÉAMBULE: Les présentes lignes directrices contiennent des recommandations fondées sur des données probantes au sujet de l'activité physique durant la grossesse visant à favoriser la santé maternelle, fœtale et néonatale. En l'absence de contre-indications (voir la liste détaillée plus loin), le fait de suivre ces lignes directrices est associé à : 1) moins de complications pour le nouveau-né (p. ex., gros par rapport à l'âge gestationnel); et 2) des bienfaits pour la santé maternelle (p. ex., diminution du risque de prééclampsie, d'hypertension gravidique, de diabète gestationnel, de césarienne, d'accouchement opératoire, d'incontinence urinaire, de gain de poids excessif durant la grossesse et de dépression; amélioration de la glycémie; diminution du gain de poids total durant la grossesse; et diminution de la gravité des symptômes dépressifs et de la douleur lombo-pelvienne). L'activité physique n'est pas associée à la fausse couche, à la mortinaissance, au décès néonatal, à l'accouchement prématuré, à la rupture prématurée préterme des membranes, à l'hypoglycémie néonatale, au poids insuffisant à la naissance, aux anomalies congénitales, au déclenchement du travail, ou aux complications à la naissance. En général, une augmentation de l'activité physique (fréquence, durée ou volume) est liée à une augmentation des bienfaits. Cependant, nous n'avons pas trouvé de données probantes concernant l'innocuité ou l'avantage accru de l'exercice à des niveaux considérablement supérieurs aux recommandations. L'activité physique prénatale devrait être vue comme un traitement de première ligne pour réduire le risque de complications de la grossesse et améliorer la santé physique et mentale de la mère. Pour les femmes enceintes qui n'atteignent actuellement pas le niveau recommandé, nous recommandons une augmentation progressive pour l'atteindre. Les femmes déjà actives peuvent continuer de l'être tout au long de la grossesse. Elles pourraient devoir modifier le type d'activité à mesure que leur grossesse avance. Il peut devenir impossible de suivre les lignes directrices pendant certaines périodes en raison de la fatigue ou des inconforts de la grossesse; nous encourageons les femmes à faire ce qu'elles peuvent et à revenir aux recommandations lorsqu'elles en sont capables. Les recommandations qui suivent reposent sur une revue systématique approfondie de la littérature, l'opinion d'experts, la consultation d'utilisateurs finaux et des considérations de faisabilité, d'acceptabilité, de coût et d'équité.

RECOMMANDATIONS

Les recommandations des Lignes directrices canadiennes sur l'activité physique durant la grossesse 2019 sont fournies ci-dessous avec des énoncés indiquant la qualité des données probantes utilisées et la force des recommandations (des explications suivent).

CONTRE-INDICATIONS

Toutes les femmes enceintes peuvent faire de l'activité physique durant la grossesse, sauf celles qui présentent des contre-indications (voir ci-dessous). Celles présentant des contre-indications absolues peuvent poursuivre leurs activités quotidiennes habituelles, mais ne devraient pas faire d'activités plus vigoureuses. Celles présentant des contre-indications relatives devraient discuter des avantages et des inconvénients de l'activité physique d'intensité modérée à vigoureuse avec leur fournisseur de soins obstétricaux avant d'y prendre part.

CONTRE-INDICATIONS ABSOLUES

Contre-indications relatives  FORCE DES RECOMMANDATIONS: Nous avons utilisé le système GRADE pour évaluer la force des recommandations. Les recommandations sont jugées fortes ou faibles en fonction de : 1) l'équilibre entre les avantages et les inconvénients; 2) la qualité globale des données probantes; 3) l'importance des issues (valeurs et préférences des femmes enceintes); 4) l'utilisation de ressources (coût); 5) l'incidence sur l'équité en matière de santé; 6) la faisabilité et 7) l'acceptabilité. Recommandation forte : La majorité ou la totalité des femmes enceintes auraient avantage à suivre la recommandation. Recommandation faible : Les femmes enceintes n'auraient pas toutes avantage à suivre la recommandation; il faut tenir compte d'autres facteurs comme la situation, les préférences, les valeurs, les ressources et le milieu de chaque personne. La consultation d'un fournisseur de soins obstétricaux peut faciliter la prise de décisions. QUALITé DES DONNéES PROBANTES: La qualité des données probantes fait référence au degré de confiance dans les données et va de très faible à élevée. Qualité élevée : Le groupe d'experts responsable des lignes directrices est très convaincu que l'effet estimé de l'activité physique sur l'issue de santé est près de l'effet réel. Qualité moyenne : Le groupe d'experts responsable des lignes directrices a moyennement confiance en l'effet estimé de l'activité physique sur l'issue de santé; l'effet estimé est probablement près de l'effet réel, mais il est possible qu'il soit très différent. Qualité faible : Le groupe d'experts responsable des lignes directrices a peu confiance en l'effet estimé de l'activité physique sur l'issue de santé; l'effet estimé pourrait être très différent de l'effet réel. Qualité très faible : Le groupe d'experts responsable des lignes directrices a très peu confiance en l'effet estimé de l'activité physique sur l'issue de santé; l'effet estimé est probablement très différent de l'effet réel. ^a Il s'agit d'une recommandation faible parce que la qualité des données probantes était faible et que l'avantage net entre les femmes qui étaient physiquement actives et celles qui ne l'étaient pas était petit. ^b Il s'agit d'une recommandation forte parce que, malgré le fait que les données probantes appuyant l'activité physique durant la grossesse pour les femmes en surpoids ou obèses étaient de qualité faible, des données tirées d'essais cliniques randomisés démontraient une diminution du gain de poids durant la grossesse et une amélioration de la glycémie. ^c On parle d'intensité modérée lorsque l'activité est assez intense pour augmenter la fréquence cardiaque de façon perceptible; une personne peut parler, mais pas chanter durant les activités de cette intensité. Pensons par exemple à la marche rapide, à la gymnastique aquatique, au vélo stationnaire (effort modéré), à l'entraînement musculaire, au port de charges modérées et aux travaux ménagers (p. ex., jardinage, lavage de fenêtres). ^d Il s'agit d'une recommandation faible parce que l'incontinence urinaire n'était pas jugée comme étant une issue « critique » et que les données étaient de qualité faible. ^e Il s'agit d'une recommandation faible parce que : 1) la qualité des données probantes était très faible; et 2) bien que nous ayons étudié les inconvénients, il y avait peu de renseignements disponibles sur l'équilibre entre les avantages et les inconvénients. Cette recommandation était principalement fondée sur l'opinion d'experts.

No. 367-2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to provide guidance for pregnant women, and obstetric care and exercise professionals, on prenatal physical activity.

OUTCOMES

The outcomes evaluated were maternal, fetal, or neonatal morbidity or fetal mortality during and following pregnancy.

EVIDENCE

Literature was retrieved through searches of Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL Plus with Full-text, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, ERIC, Sport Discus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Trip Database from database inception up to January 6, 2017. Primary studies of any design were eligible, except case studies. Results were limited to English, Spanish, or French language materials. Articles related to maternal physical activity during pregnancy reporting on maternal, fetal, or neonatal morbidity or fetal mortality were eligible for inclusion. The quality of evidence was rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology.

VALUES

The Guidelines Consensus Panel solicited feedback from end-users (obstetric care providers, exercise professionals, researchers, policy organizations, and pregnant and postpartum women). The development of this guideline followed the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument.

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

The benefits of prenatal physical activity are moderate, and no harms were identified; therefore, the difference between desirable and undesirable consequences (net benefit) is expected to be moderate. The majority of stakeholders and end-users indicated that following these recommendations would be feasible, acceptable, and equitable. Following these recommendations is likely to require minimal resources from both individual and health systems perspectives.

PREAMBLE

This guideline provide evidence-based recommendations regarding physical activity throughout pregnancy in the promotion of maternal, fetal, and neonatal health. In the absence of contraindications (see later for a detailed list), following this guideline is associated with: (1) fewer newborn complications (i.e., large for gestational age); and (2) maternal health benefits (i.e., decreased risk of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, Caesarean section, instrumental delivery, urinary incontinence, excessive gestational weight gain, and depression; improved blood glucose; decreased total gestational weight gain; and decreased severity of depressive symptoms and lumbopelvic pain). Physical activity is not associated with miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, preterm birth, preterm/prelabour rupture of membranes, neonatal hypoglycemia, low birth weight, birth defects, induction of labour, or birth complications. In general, more physical activity (frequency, duration, and/or volume) is associated with greater benefits. However, evidence was not identified regarding the safety or additional benefit of exercising at levels significantly above the recommendations. Prenatal physical activity should be considered a front-line therapy for reducing the risk of pregnancy complications and enhancing maternal physical and mental health. For pregnant women not currently meeting this guideline, a progressive adjustment toward them is recommended. Previously active women may continue physical activity throughout pregnancy. Women may need to modify physical activity as pregnancy progresses. There may be periods when following the guideline is not possible due to fatigue and/or discomforts of pregnancy; women are encouraged to do what they can and to return to following the recommendations when they are able. This guideline were informed by an extensive systematic review of the literature, expert opinion, end-user consultation and considerations of feasibility, acceptability, costs, and equity.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The specific recommendations in this 2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity Throughout Pregnancy are provided below with corresponding statements indicating the quality of the evidence informing the recommendations and the strength of the recommendations (explanations follow).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

All pregnant women can participate in physical activity throughout pregnancy with the exception of those who have contraindications (listed below). Women with absolute contraindications may continue their usual activities of daily living but should not participate in more strenuous activities. Women with relative contraindications should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity with their obstetric care provider prior to participation. Absolute contraindications to exercise are the following: Relative contraindications to exercise are the following: STRENGTH OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS: The GRADE system was utilized to grade the strength of the recommendations. Recommendations are rated as strong or weak based on the: (1) balance between benefits and harms; (2) overall quality of the evidence; (3) importance of outcomes (i.e., values and preferences of pregnant women); (4) use of resources (i.e., cost); (5) impact on health equity; (6) feasibility, and (7) acceptability. Strong recommendation: Most or all pregnant women will be best served by the recommended course of action. Weak recommendation: Not all pregnant women will be best served by the recommended course of action; there is a need to consider other factors such as the individual's circumstances, preferences, values, resources available, or setting. Consultation with an obstetric care provider may assist in decision-making.

QUALITY OF THE EVIDENCE

The quality of the evidence refers to the level of confidence in the evidence and ranges from very low to high. High quality: The Guideline Consensus Panel is very confident that the estimated effect of physical activity on the health outcome is close to the true effect. Moderate quality: The Guideline Consensus Panel is moderately confident in the estimated effect of physical activity on the health outcome; the estimate of the effect is likely to be close to the true effect, but there is a possibility that it is substantially different. Low quality: The Guideline Consensus Panel's confidence in the estimated effect of physical activity on the health outcome is limited; the estimate of the effect may be substantially different from the true effect. Very low quality: The Guideline Consensus Panel has very little confidence in the estimated effect of physical activity on the health outcome; the estimate of the effect is likely to be substantially different from the true effect. ^aThis was a weak recommendation because the quality of evidence was low, and the net benefit between women who were physically active and those who were not was small. ^bThis was a strong recommendation because, despite low quality evidence supporting physical activity during pregnancy for women categorized as overweight or obese, there was evidence from randomized controlled trials demonstrating an improvement in gestational weight gain and blood glucose. ^cModerate-intensity physical activity is intense enough to noticeably increase heart rate; a person can talk but not sing during activities of this intensity. Examples of moderate-intensity physical activity include brisk walking, water aerobics, stationary cycling (moderate effort), resistance training, carrying moderate loads, and household chores (e.g., gardening, washing windows). ^dThis was a weak recommendation because urinary incontinence was was not rated as a "critical" outcome and the evidence was low quality. ^eThis was a weak recommendation because: (1) the quality of evidence was very low; and (2) although harms were investigated there was limited available information to inform the balance of benefits and harms. This recommendation was primarily based on expert opinion.

The role of sleep duration and sleep disordered breathing in gestational diabetes mellitus

Many women experience sleep problems during pregnancy. This includes difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep due to physiologic changes that occur as pregnancy progresses, as well as increased symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Growing evidence indicates that sleep deficiency alters glucose metabolism and increases risk of diabetes. Poor sleep may exacerbate the progressive increase in insulin resistance that normally occurs during pregnancy, thus contributing to the development of maternal hyperglycemia. Here, we critically review evidence that exposure to short sleep duration or SDB during pregnancy is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Several studies have found that the frequency of GDM is higher in women exposed to short sleep compared with longer sleep durations. Despite mixed evidence regarding whether symptoms of SDB (e.g., frequent snoring) are associated with GDM after adjusting for BMI or obesity, it has been shown that clinically-diagnosed SDB is prospectively associated with GDM. There are multiple mechanisms that may link sleep deprivation and SDB with insulin resistance, including increased levels of oxidative stress, inflammation, sympathetic activity, and cortisol. Despite emerging evidence that sleep deficiency and SDB are associated with increased risk of GDM, it has yet to be demonstrated that improving sleep in pregnant women (e.g., by extending sleep duration or treating SDB) protects against the development of hyperglycemia. If a causal relationship can be established, behavioral therapies for improving sleep can potentially be used to reduce the risk and burden of GDM.

Psychosocial predictors of gestational weight gain and the role of mindfulness

OBJECTIVE

To identify the psychosocial factors (i.e., stress, anxiety, depression, social support) that are associated with gestational weight gain (GWG) and the relationship of mindfulness with GWG during each trimester of pregnancy.

DESIGN

In this cross-sectional study, an online survey that assessed physical and mental health and wellness practices was administered to pregnant women.

PARTICIPANTS

Pregnant women ≥8 weeks gestation, ≥18 years old, and could read and write in English.

MEASUREMENT AND FINDINGS

Women who responded to the survey (N=1,073) were on average 28.7±4.6 years old. Findings from a regression analysis suggest that increased levels of depression may be predictive of increased GWG in the second trimester and decreased levels of mindfulness may be predictive of increased GWG in the first trimester. Anxiety, stress, and overall social support were not associated with GWG in any trimester.

KEY CONCLUSIONS

Mindfulness-based strategies (e.g., yoga) may have the potential to manage both depression and excessive GWG and may beneficial for and preferred by pregnant women. More research is warranted to determine clear relationships between psychosocial health, mindfulness, and GWG.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Health care providers are encouraged to screen for depression in early pregnancy (i.e., first or second trimester) and provide resources to manage symptoms of depression and GWG to promote optimal birth outcomes. Health care providers may want to counsel patients on how to manage depression and/or GWG by suggesting mindfulness-based approaches.

Individual, social and environmental determinants of sleep among women: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Sleep is important to promote optimal health and avoid negative health outcomes. Short-duration and low-quality sleep may be more common and more detrimental among women compared with men. Identifying the determinants of behaviour is one of the first steps in designing effective interventions. To our knowledge, no systematic review has identified the individual, social and environmental determinants of sleep among adult women.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Studies reporting data on adult women from 18 to 64 years of age will be included. On the basis of ecological models of health behaviour and sleep, the types of determinants that will be included in the review are individual (eg, demographic, psychological and behavioural), social (eg, family) and environmental (eg, physical environment and policies) determinants. Observational (cross-sectional and longitudinal) and experimental studies will be included. MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE and Proquest Dissertations and Theses will be investigated. Data will be extracted independently by two reviewers using a standardised data extraction form. The quality of observational studies will be assessed using the National Institute of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies and the quality of experimental studies will be assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Study. If there is a sufficient number of studies reporting data on a similar determinant among a similar population (k>5), a meta-analysis of the results will be performed with a random-effects model. If between-study heterogeneity is high (I² ≥75%), it will be investigated through sensitivity analyses and meta-regression.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Formal ethical approval is not required as no primary data will be collected. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. This review will provide valuable information to those interested in developing empirically based sleep interventions among women.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42017056894.

Behavioral interventions to promote adequate sleep among women: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Short and poor sleep have been associated with adverse health outcomes in adults, such as overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes, especially among women. Women therefore represent an important target for interventions aimed at improving sleep and such interventions have been advocated to enhance maternal, fetal, and infant health. This systematic review will assess the efficacy or effectiveness of behavioral interventions aimed at promoting adequate sleep among women. The primary outcomes will be changes in sleep duration and/or sleep quality from baseline to post-intervention and to the last available follow-up measured either through self-reports or objectively. Secondary outcomes will be assessing the behavior change techniques that are responsible for the changes in sleep duration and quality among women.

METHODS

Behavioral interventions that are non-pharmacological and target either sleep directly or sleep hygiene behaviors will be included. Randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, and one-group pre-post studies will be included, but treated separately in the analyses, given that a limited number of studies on the topic of sleep is expected. MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Proquest Dissertations and Theses will be investigated. There will be no restriction on the year of publication of the articles, but we will include only the ones written in English or French. Two authors will independently assess articles for eligibility and will extract data using a standardized data extraction form that will have been previously pilot-tested. The quality of the studies will be assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool for quantitative study designs. The intervention procedures will be classified according to the latest validated taxonomy of behavior change techniques. If there is a sufficient number of studies (k > 5), a meta-analysis of the results will be performed with a random-effect model. If the heterogeneity is high (I ² ≥ 75%), it will be investigated through sensitivity analyses and meta-regression.

DISCUSSION

This review will provide valuable information to those interested in promoting adequate sleep among women and, hopefully, encourage additional research in this important field to promote maternal, fetal, and infant health.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO in October 2016 (CRD42016049538).

Sleep Disturbances and Symptoms of Depression and Daytime Sleepiness in Pregnant Women

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbance, depression, and daytime sleepiness are among the most prevalent symptoms reported by women during pregnancy. However, available data on the association between sleep disturbances and symptoms of depression and daytime sleepiness in pregnant women are sparse and methodological limitations have been acknowledged. The purpose of the study was to examine objective and self-reported sleep disturbances and symptoms of depression and daytime sleepiness in a group of healthy pregnant women.

METHODS

A total of 274 third-trimester pregnant women wore a wrist actigraph continuously for 7 days to assess objective sleep quality and quantity. Self-reported sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), with self-reported poor sleep quality defined as a PSQI score more than 5. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale were used to evaluate symptoms of depression and daytime sleepiness, respectively.

RESULTS

Sixty-four (23.4%) women were at risk for clinical depression and 69 (25.2%) had daytime sleepiness. Risk of clinically meaningful depressive symptomatology was significantly increased in women with objective total nighttime sleep less than 6 hours (OR 2.53 [95% CI 1.26-5.08]) and self-reported poor sleep quality (OR 3.31 [95% CI 1.74-6.30]), even after multiple adjustment. Neither objective nor self-reported sleep disturbances increased daytime sleepiness in this group of pregnant women.

DISCUSSION

Both objective nighttime sleep less than 6 hours and self-reported poor sleep quality in healthy third-trimester pregnant women is associated with significant risks for clinical depression. Improving sleep would likely be associated with a reduction in depression symptom severity and an attenuation of the prevalence of depression in pregnant women.

Sleep Hygiene and Sleep Quality of Third-Trimester Pregnant Women

The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine the associations of sleep hygiene and actigraphy measures of sleep with self-reported sleep quality in 197 pregnant women in northern Taiwan. Third-trimester pregnant women completed the Sleep Hygiene Practice Scale (SHPS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) as well as the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), and wore an actigraph for 7 consecutive days. Student's t-test was used to compare the SHPS scores and means as well as variability of actigraphy sleep variables between poor sleepers (i.e., PSQI global score >5) and good sleepers (i.e., PSQI global score ≤5). Compared to good sleepers, poor sleepers reported significantly worse sleep hygiene, with higher SHPS scores and higher sleep schedule, arousal-related behavior, and sleep environment subscale scores. Poor sleepers had significantly greater intra-individual variability of sleep onset latency, total nighttime sleep, and wake after sleep onset than good sleepers. In stepwise linear regression, older maternal age (p = .01), fewer employment hours per week (p = .01), higher CES-D total score (p < .01), and higher SHPS arousal-related behavior subscale scores (p < .01) predicted self-reported global sleep quality. Findings support avoiding physically, physiologically, emotionally, or cognitively arousing activities before bedtime as a target for sleep-hygiene intervention in women during pregnancy.

Identifying Insomnia in Early Pregnancy: Validation of the Insomnia Symptoms Questionnaire (ISQ) in Pregnant Women

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Although a substantial number of pregnant women report symptoms of insomnia, few studies have used a validated instrument to determine the prevalence in early gestation. Identification of insomnia in pregnancy is vital given the strong connection between insomnia and the incidence of depression, cardiovascular disease, or immune dysregulation. The goal of this paper is to provide additional psychometric evaluation and validation of the Insomnia Symptom Questionnaire (ISQ) and to establish prevalence rates of insomnia among a cohort of pregnant women during early gestation.

METHODS

The ISQ was evaluated in 143 pregnant women at 12 weeks gestation. The internal consistency and criterion validity of the dichotomized ISQ were compared to traditional measures of sleep from sleep diaries, actigraphy, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index using indices of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value (PPV, NPV), and likelihood ratio (LR) tests.

RESULTS

The ISQ identified 12.6% of the sample as meeting a case definition of insomnia, consistent with established diagnostic criteria. Good reliability was established with Cronbach α = 0.86. The ISQ had high specificity (most > 85%), but sensitivity, PPV, NPV, and LRs varied according to which sleep measure was used as the validating criterion.

CONCLUSIONS

Insomnia is a health problem for many pregnant women at all stages in pregnancy. These data support the validity and reliability of the ISQ to identify insomnia in pregnant women. The ISQ is a short and cost-effective tool that can be quickly employed in large observational studies or in clinical practice where perinatal women are seen.

COMMENTARY

A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 593.