Understandably, sleep can be a struggle for expecting moms. But new research suggests that getting enough quality sleep is about more than just rest: it can also reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes (GDM) during pregnancy.
A recent study found that both poor sleep quality and sleeping too little (<7 hours) can significantly increase the risk of GDM, a condition that arises during pregnancy, affecting 2-5% of expectant mothers. GDM is associated with increased risks of complications for both the mother and baby, including preterm labour, hypertensive disorders, and larger-than-average newborns, which can lead to emergency Cesarean sections.
The meta-analysis, which included 19 studies with over 55,000 pregnant women, showed that low sleep quality increased the risk of GDM by 50%, while short sleep durations raised it by 56%. Disrupted sleep may impair insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, contributing to GDM.
The study suggests that health practitioners should monitor sleep patterns and prioritize sleep hygiene as part of prenatal care, using standardized tools like the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for consistent assessment. This could help identify and support women at higher risk of GDM, potentially improving pregnancy outcomes through targeted sleep interventions.
If you are hungry for more evidence-based information in your pregnancy, sign up for my free webinar: 7 Pregnancy Myths Debunked – and get the information you need to have a healthy pregnancy and a thriving baby.
And if you are a care-provider looking for evidence-based resources for your pregnant patients, please get in touch with us at support@myhealthypregnancyplan.com.
In health,
Dr Jocelyn Land-Murphy, ND
Terra Life
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References:
Jiang, M. et al. (2024). Association between sleep quality and duration during pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Gynecological Endocrinology.