According to new research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, pregnant women who do not get enough sleep may increase the risk of their children experiencing neurodevelopmental delays. Sleeping less than seven hours a night, known as "short sleep duration" (SSD), is a common problem among them.
According to pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine Specialist, Jessica Polese, pregnant women face sleep difficulties due to hormonal changes, discomfort, and the frequent need to urinate. "Sleep during pregnancy and after the baby is born is a challenging phase for women," says the doctor.
The research analyzed data from 7,059 mother-child pairs in three hospitals in China, tracking the children's development from six months to three years of age. The results suggest that maternal sleep deprivation may be associated with higher risks of delays in children's cognitive, motor, emotional, and speech skills.
"The study also found a link between SSD and the mother's glucose metabolism, which may impact fetal insulin secretion. This suggests that an imbalance in maternal metabolism during pregnancy may influence children's neurodevelopment, with boys being particularly more vulnerable," says Jessica.
What we need to analyze in light of the research are ways to improve the quality of sleep for mothers during pregnancy, and when the child is born, the issue of breastfeeding. "Trying to support these women, especially those who are experiencing sleep difficulties and after birth having a support network to assist during breastfeeding, is crucial, as we know that in the first months, the woman lives on the same schedule as the baby, who wakes up at short intervals, since sleep is fundamental for the mother's health," emphasizes the doctor.
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