Relationship Between Sleep Quality, Depression Symptoms, and Blood Glucose in Pregnant Women

Abstract

Sleep quality during pregnancy affects maternal/child health. We aimed to assess changes in sleep quality during pregnancy and determine its relationship to maternal mood, blood glucose, and work schedule among primiparous women. We conducted a prospective/longitudinal/observational study. Ninety-two pregnant women were recruited from Midwestern hospital. Mood and sleep quality data were collected using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale/Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at Gestational Weeks 22 and 32. Forty-three women completed the study. Twenty-six women (63%) were African American and the mean age was 23.64 (SD = 3.82) years. Rate of poor sleep quality increased during pregnancy with 25% of women had scores indicative of depression symptoms. Poor sleep quality score was related to mood scores (p < .05) and work schedule. Blood glucose was not significantly related to sleep duration. In conclusion, poor sleep quality during pregnancy was associated with poor mood and work schedule, suggesting that interventions targeting mental health and lifestyles are needed.