Inadequate Sleep During Pregnancy Could Lead to Complications

Poor sleep in pregnancy can lead to complications and hinder immune processes, finds study.

Women with depression are more likely than non-depressed women to suffer from disturbed sleep and adverse pregnancy outcomes, reports Science Daily.

About Sleep Disorder
Sleep disorders can either be having difficulty in getting sleep or dozing off at inappropriate time.

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine conducted the research and the study was published in the journal "Psychosomatic Medicine".

"Our results highlight the importance of identifying sleep problems in early pregnancy, especially in women experiencing depression, since sleep is a modifiable behaviour," said Michele Okun, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at Pitt's School of Medicine and lead author of the report. "The earlier that sleep problems are identified, the sooner physicians can work with pregnant women to implement solutions."

There is a dynamic relationship between sleep and immunity, and this study is the first to examine this relationship during pregnancy as opposed to postpartum, added Dr. Okun.

Quiz on Early Pregnancy Symptoms
If you are trying to find out whether you have conceived this time around, you can ask other people, worry in silence or take this quiz on early signs and symptoms of pregnancy.

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Epworth Sleepiness Scale
Measure your daytime sleepiness using this simple interactive tool, based on Epworth Sleepiness disorder Scale. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness is a type of hypersomnia characterized by persistent sleepiness and lack of energy.

Role Played by Immune Cells in Early Pregnancy Studied
Researchers are looking into the role played by white blood cells called macrophages in early pregnancy, according to a report published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.