sleep is especially important pregnant women,
According to a new study, insufficient sleep during pregnancy can have several negative effects, including neurodevelopmental delays for the baby.
Its effects were examined in research published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Short Sleep Duration (SSD) – Defined as sleeping less than seven hours per night on pregnant women.
CDC reveals Americans are having fewer children as birth rate hits historic lowest level
China-based researchers analyzed sleep data from 7,059 mother-child pairs from three Chinese hospitals. Children aged 6 months to 3 years were examined for developmental delays.
Insufficient sleep during pregnancy increases the risk of pregnancy delay development of the nervous systemThe researchers found.
The study found that boys, compared to girls, have a higher risk of neurodevelopmental problems when their mothers experience SSD. (iStock)
“Our findings highlight the importance of addressing sleep quality during pregnancy to reduce the risk of long-term cognitive and behavioral issues in children,” said lead study author Peng Zhu, MD, of Anhui Medical University and professor of population health. MD of the MOE Key Laboratory of Life Cycle in Hefei, China, told Fox News Digital.
“Additionally, we found that cord blood C-peptide levels partially mediate this relationship, indicating that maternal sleep may influence fetal glucose metabolism and, as a consequence, child’s neurodevelopment,
Study finds lack of sleep posing risks to children
New studies have shown that neurodevelopmental delays can lead to slow development of social, emotional, behavioral, motor, cognitive or speech skills.
Researchers found that when their mothers experienced SSD, boys were at greater risk of these problems than girls.
Poor sleep during pregnancy has also been linked to other complications, including preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. (iStock)
“This suggests that male fetuses may be more sensitive to the metabolic environment influenced by maternal sleep patterns,” Zhu said.
“This insight could lead to tailored interventions and a deeper understanding of how prenatal factors influence Neurodevelopmental outcomes In a gender-specific way.”
To improve your sleep, do these things before sleeping, experts suggest.
The Endocrine Society said in a press release that pregnant women may have trouble sleeping due to hormonal changes, discomfort, frequent urination and other factors.
Prenatal health is important for the health of both the expectant mother and the unborn baby. (iStock)
Dr. Jillian Lopiano, a Miami-based OB-GYN and chief health officer of reproductive telehealth platform Wisp, acknowledged that the study measured “potential biological markers” in neurological development.
Click here to get the Fox News app
“Much more research is needed to assess this connection, but adequate sleep is known to be associated with proper growth and social-emotional development,” he told Fox News Digital.
For more health articles, visit foxnews.com/health
Poor sleep during pregnancy is also linked to other complications, including preeclampsia and gestational diabetesLopiano elaborated.
“Adequate sleep is thought to be linked to proper growth and social-emotional development.”
The expert recommended that pregnant women who are having trouble sleeping should consult a doctor.
He also shared something simple methods Things that can help improve sleep include sleeping in a cool, dark room, reducing screen time and distractions before going to bed, getting enough rest, meditation, and supportive pillows. Including using.
Experts say that pregnant women may have trouble sleeping due to hormonal changes, restlessness, frequent urination and other factors. (iStock)
Study researchers reiterated the importance of sleep hygiene.
,pregnant women “Advice should be provided on strategies to improve sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding caffeine and electronic devices before bedtime,” Zhu told Fox News Digital.
The best and worst times to sleep for different generations
The researchers also recommend that health care providers screen pregnant women for sleep quality and provide guidance on getting enough sleep.
“In addition, monitoring and management gestational diabetes“The emphasis should be on those that are linked to sleep patterns,” Zhu said.
Experts stressed the importance of proper sleep hygiene during pregnancy. (iStock)
The researchers acknowledged that the study had some potential limitations.
“As an observational study, we can only establish associations rather than causation,” Zhu told Fox News Digital.
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
“Additionally, sleep duration was self-reported, which may introduce some degree of bias.”
Future studies with objective sleep measurements and larger sample sizes could help validate the findings, the researchers said.
