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Maternal Sleep Toolkit

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KEY FACTS

  • Physiologic changes of pregnancy can make sleep more difficult. Sleep disturbances affect 75% of pregnant people, peaking in the third trimester.
  • Insomnia (38%), restless leg syndrome (20%), and sleep apnea (15%) are the most common sleep disturbances affecting pregnant people.
  • Insomnia and sleep disturbances during pregnancy are associated with gestational diabetes, hypertension, preterm birth, cesarean delivery, and preeclampsia/gestational hypertension.

 

COURSE OF ACTION

  1. Identify etiologies → use the Global Sleep Questionnaire to identify possible causes (page 2), incorporate health disparity and pregnancy-specific considerations (page 3)
  2. Implement treatment based on etiology
  3. Provide resources and monitor outcomes

COMMON ETIOLOGIES FOR POOR SLEEP DURING PREGNANCY
MEDICAL
 PSYCHIATRIC
COMMON RISK FACTORS & COMORBIDITIES
  • Thyroid disorder
  • Diabetes
  • Renal disease
  • Anemia
  • Fibromyalgia
  • GERD
  • Migraines
  • Epilepsy
  • Bruxism
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Asthma
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Chronic pain
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • PTSD
  • OCD
  • Bipolar
REVIEW MED LIST FOR CULPRITS

(meds that might cause or exacerbate sleep disturbances)
    • Central nervous system stimulants
    • Central nervous system depressant
    • Bronchodilators
    • Antidepressants
    • Beta antagonist
    • Diuretics
    • Glucocorticoids
ORDERS & REFERRALS TO CONSIDER

(for diagnostic clarity)
  • Thyroid function test (TFT)
  • Blood sugar & HbA1c
  • BUN & creatinine
  • Iron studies
  • Sleep consult or polysomnogram (PSG)
  • History taking
  • Screeners
  • NC MATTERS consult for diagnostic clarity

 

To read more, download our Maternal Sleep Toolkit.

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