Sleep health predicted glucose metabolism among pregnant women: A prospective cohort study

Aims: To examine whether sleep health in the first trimester could predict glucose metabolism in the second trimester. Methods: Pregnant women (N = 127) during the first trimester were recruited (August 2022 to March 2023). Overall sleep health was assessed by the Sleep Health Index. Various dimensions of sleep health were measured using a 7-day sleep diary and questionnaires. The outcomes, including diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and HbA1c, were obtained from the medical records in the second trimester. Poisson regression analysis and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. Results: The average age of the participants was 32.6 years. The incidence of GDM was 28.3 % and the mean HbA1c was 5.2 % (33 mmol/mol). Sleep duration regularity (RR = 1.808; 95 %CI 1.023, 3.196) was associated with GDM after controlling for confounders. SHI total score ((i = -0.278; 95 %CI -0.022, -0.005) and sleep duration regularity ((i = 0.243; 95 %CI 0.057, 0.372) were associated with HbA1c. Conclusions: Worse sleep health, particularly lower sleep regularity, predicted worse glucose metabolism among pregnant women. Healthcare professional may consider adding sleep-related assessment to prenatal care. Maintaining regular sleep should be encouraged. Studies examining the impact of sleep intervention on glucose metabolism among pregnant women are warranted.