Study Links Short Sleep in Pregnancy to Developmental Delays

New research from Anhui Medical University in China indicates that pregnant women who sleep less than seven hours per night are at a higher risk of having children with neurodevelopmental delays in areas such as social, emotional, behavioral, motor, cognitive, and speech skills. The study, which analyzed data from over 7,000 mother-child pairs, found that nearly 40% of pregnant women experience short sleep duration (SSD), which can be exacerbated by hormonal changes and physical discomfort during pregnancy. Insufficient sleep is also linked to increased risks of gestational diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance, potentially affecting both maternal and child health. Lead author Dr. Peng Zhu emphasized the importance of managing sleep health during pregnancy to foster healthier habits for future generations. The findings highlight the need for increased awareness and intervention regarding sleep in pregnant women to mitigate developmental risks for their children.