Persistent short sleep linked to adverse metabolic outcomes post pregnancy

December 30, 2024

Study design: This longitudinal cohort study examined the association between persistent short sleep duration (<7 hours per night) from pregnancy to 2 to 7 years postpartum and metabolic health outcomes. Data were collected from a diverse group of women, with sleep duration assessed through self-reported questionnaires and metabolic health evaluated via clinical measurements.

Results: Women who consistently experienced short sleep duration from pregnancy to several years postpartum had a significantly higher risk of developing adverse cardiometabolic outcomes, including increased BMI, higher fasting glucose levels, and elevated blood pressure. These associations remained significant even after adjusting for potential confounders such as age, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors.

Impact on clinical practice: These findings underscore the importance of monitoring and addressing sleep duration in pregnant and postpartum women as part of routine clinical care. Interventions aimed at improving sleep duration during and after pregnancy could potentially mitigate the risk of developing metabolic disorders, thereby enhancing long-term maternal health.

Source:

Kim M, et al; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development NuMoM2b and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute NuMoM2b Heart Health Study Network. (2024, December 2). JAMA Netw Open. Persistent Short Sleep Duration From Pregnancy to 2 to 7 Years After Delivery and Metabolic Health. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39724370/