Maternal sleep duration and complaints of vital exhaustion during pregnancy is associated with placental abruption

Objective: Sleep disorders are associated with cardiovascular complications and preterm delivery (PTD). Insufficient sleep results in metabolic alterations and increased inflammation, both known to contribute to placental abruption (abruption), a determinant of PTD. We examined associations of abruption with sleep duration and complaints of vital exhaustion. Methods: The study included 164 abruption cases and 160 controls in a multicenter study in Peru. Data on habitual sleep duration and vital exhaustion during the first 6 months of pregnancy were elicited during interviews conducted following delivery. Women were categorized according to short, normal and long sleep duration (≤6, 7-8 and ≥9h); and frequency of feeling exhausted. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results: Short and long sleep durations were associated with increased odds of abruption. The ORs of abruption in relation to short (≤6h) and long (≥9h) sleep duration were 2.0 (95% CI 1.1-3.7) and 2.1 (95% CI 1.1-4.1), compared with normal sleep duration (7-8h). Complaints of vital exhaustion were also associated with abruption (OR=2.37; 95% CI 1.46-3.85), and were independent of sleep duration. Conclusion: We extend the existing literature and support the thesis that maternal sleep habits and disorders should be assessed among pregnant women.