Sleep disorders in women attending antenatal care at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of sleep disorders in a population of Nigerian women during pregnancy and to evaluate the frequency of these sleep disorders according to the three trimesters of pregnancy.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A prospective cross-sectional design. Participants' were interviewed at the antenatal clinic with a questionnaire to evaluate their sleep during and before pregnancy and to appraise disturbance in their sleep according to the trimester.

RESULTS

Two hundred and three pregnant women participated in the survey and were evaluated at one of three points in pregnancy: 1st trimester (n=57), 2nd trimester (n=71) and 3rd trimester (n=75). Overall, the prevalence of sleep disorder in the population surveyed was 35.5% (72/203), more women experienced sleep disturbances in the first (42.1%) and third (40%) trimester of pregnancy compared to the second (25.3%). In terms of types of sleep disorders; 96(47.3%) reported insomnia, 32(15.8%) sleep breathing disorders, 86(42.4%) excessive daytime sleepiness, 172(84.7%) mild sleepiness and 64(31.5%) significant specific awakenings. The most common reason for specific awakening was frequent urination (78.6%). These sleep disorders were more common in the third trimester of pregnancy but only insomnia and specific awakenings showed statistical significance, p=0.007 and 0.031 respectively. Logistic regression model showed that nulliparity, increased BMI and previous adverse obstetric events had significant independent associations with sleep disorders.

CONCLUSION

Sleep disorders are common in pregnancy, notably in the first and third trimesters.