Sleep and sleep disorders in pregnancy

Sleep problems are common in pregnant women. This review examines sleep in normal pregnancy; discusses the physiologic bases for alterations in sleep, including hormonal and mechanical factors; and correlates these factors wi th changes in sleep of pregnant women, as determined subjectively by survey s and objectively by polysomnographic studies. The changes in respiratory p hysiology during pregnancy, the possible predisposition of the pregnant wom an to sleep-disordered breathing because of these changes, and results of p ublished studies of sleep-disordered breathing in pregnancy are discussed. Finally, the effect of pregnancy on other sleep disorders and the managemen t of these sleep disorders during pregnancy are outlined, including changes in management necessitated by this state. The paucity of available data an d the need for further studies of incidence and outcomes of sleep disorders in the pregnant woman are emphasized.