Optimal physiological functioning depends on sufficient quality and duration of sleep. Our physiological systems function differently when we are awake, compared to when we are asleep. It also differs across the different sleep stages. Differences in the release of hormones, respiratory and cardiovascular activity, the utilisation of brain energy, and thermoregulation may occur. Sleep disturbances can therefore lead to changes in metabolism (due to hormonal fluctuations) and therefore put you at higher risk of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, cognitive impairment or a low immune function - and even pelvic dysfunction.
Health, recovery and growth – everything that is also important during pregnancy – can therefore be affected by your quality of sleep.
The concern is that it has been reported that 45.7% of pregnant women have been found to have poor quality sleep, while the percentage who report short duration of sleep, increase during the different trimesters during pregnancy. These disturbances during sleep can lead to increased risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus, lead to caesarean section, preterm delivery, or even postpartum depression amongst others.
There are however several ways in which we can address sleep disturbances…
Read this systematic review which analysed the effect of exercise on sleep during pregnancy. The abstract is also uploaded on our resource page in the “Pre- and post-natal” folder.
McCarthy, Traci A. DPT; Reddy, Pranav S. BS; Spaeth, Andrea M. PhD. The Effects of Exercise on Sleep During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Women's & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy ():10.1097/JWH.0000000000000270, February 11, 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/JWH.0000000000000270
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