Neglected sleep problems: A multi-center cross-sectional study of gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract Background Poor sleep quality is a prevalent problem, but in pregnant women, studies mainly explore the influence of sleep disorder on gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM), and limited data detected the sleep quality among gestational diabetes mellitus women. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the sleep quality and its predictors among gestational diabetes mellitus women. Methods A total of 618 pregnant women with GDM were invited to participate in the survey by convenience sampling method in the obstetric clinics of four general tertiary hospitals in Chongqing from July to August 2022. Data were collected utilizing sociodemographic characteristics, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Sleep Hygiene Scale, and the Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale (PrAS). By using linear regression analysis, the predictors of sleep quality were identified. Results 393 women with gestational diabetes were finally included. The PSQI score was (5.83 ± 3.41). Notably, 43.77% of patients had actual sleep per night of less than 8 hours and 45.55% had poor sleep quality. Worrying during the day about your inability to fall asleep (β = 0.204, P < 0.01), body image concern (β = 0.159, P < 0.01), going to bed thirsty (β = 0.160, P < 0.01), educational attainment (β=-0.150, P < 0.01), avoidance (β = 0.124, P < 0.01), sleep disturbed by bed partner’s sleep (β = 0.126, P < 0.01), and worrying as you prepare for bed about your inability to fall asleep (β = 0.137, P < 0.01) significantly affected the sleep quality of gestational diabetes mellitus women. Conclusions The proportion of insufficient sleep duration and poor sleep quality in gestational diabetes mellitus women was exceptionally high, significantly affected by poor sleep hygiene habits and pregnancy-related anxiety. The findings may enrich the theoretical understanding of sleep quality in women with gestational diabetes mellitus and help healthcare professionals timely identify sleep disorders, accurately dock those with poor sleep quality and conduct appropriate interventions, such as developing sleep hygiene habits education programs and resources, and body image acceptance based on cognitive behavioral therapy.