Sleep disorders in a sample of Egyptian high risk pregnant females

Abstract

Sleep problems in pregnancy are common, with most pregnant women reporting decreasing sleep quality and increased night awakening especially when they approach labor. Studies have found that 82–98% of women in late pregnancy report waking at night, and 64–86% report problems with sleep quality during pregnancy. Furthermore, a number of studies have shown an increased frequency of snoring and sleep disordered breathing as pregnancy progresses. Aims: This study aimed to assess sleep practices and sleep quality in high risk pregnancy women, and to document self-reported changes that occurred between the pre-pregnancy period and the time of inclusion in the study. Also to correlate the sleep findings with other sample data like parity and pre-pregnant sleep and family history of medical illness. High risk pregnant females ( N = 59) were recruited from Antenatal care Unit at Mansoura University Hospital. Questions included information about maternal demographics, perceived sleep quality, sleep difficulties, night awakening, snoring, daytime tiredness, and daytime napping In addition to medical conditions in the women and their families, pre-pregnant sleep duration and complaints of current sleep problems were reviewed. Questions relating to sleep quality were based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a 9-question self-rated test intended to measure sleep disturbances and quality of sleep. Participants also completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) to assess daytime sleepiness. The ESS asks people to rate, on a 4-point scale (0–3), their usual chances of dozing off or falling asleep in eight different situations or activities that most people engage in as part of their daily lives. The Insomnia Severity Index was also used. It has seven questions. The seven answers are added up to get a total score and categorize the degree of insomnia. Statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS v20 statistical package. Respondents numbered ( N = 59). The Mean age of participating women was (28.9, SD ± 6.7), 38.9% were illiterate while 47.7% were educated and 15.2% could only read and write. The mean gestational age was (30.26 week, SD ± 7.02). They were all high risk pregnancies. 79.6% were hypertensive, and pregnant women with other medical complications were around 50.8% of the sample. Mean number of sleeping hours before pregnancy was 7.8 h ( SD ± 2.16). The Mean score on PSQI was 7.12 (SD ± 3), the higher the candidates age the lower PSQI they got ( r = −0.05), while the Mean on ESS was 8.68 (SD ± 4.79.) Insomnia and snoring was a frequent complaint. Candidates with Hypertension and other medical complications tended to have sleep problems prior to their pregnancy with excessive daytime sleepiness and poorer sleep quality. Sleep problems were common in this group of women in late pregnancy, and these disturbances were increased comparative to their pre-pregnancy experience. Improving sleep in pregnant ladies in general and those with high risk pregnancy specifically might lessen the impact of their medical condition on their health and fetal outcomes. Screening for sleep disorders during pregnancy with defined standards of good sleep hygiene for pregnant ladies should be a core item in antenatal care units. We would like to acknowledge the efforts of nurses and staff members at Antenatal care units of Mansoura University Hospital and all the participating candidates.