Sleep quality according to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index in over 7000 pregnant women in Poland

The aim was to assess sleep quality in pregnant women, characterize sleep patterns in each trimester and to establish independent risk factors of poor sleep quality during gestation. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. The questionnaire included questions regarding sociodemographic data, information on the current pregnancy, sleep patterns and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. 7202 respondents fulfilled the survey completely and only those were included. A total of 95.1% of the respondents in the first trimester, 93% in the second trimester and 94.8% in the third trimester had poor sleep quality. Significantly more women with poor sleep quality assessed their socioeconomic status as bad or sufficient (15.7 vs 8.8%; p < 0.001), stress level as higher (mean 4.7 points vs 3.9 points; p < 0.001), had lower relationship rating (mean 8.8 points vs 9.3 points; p < 0.001) or suffered from depression and anxiety disorders. Logistic regression revealed pregnancy ailments to be the strongest independent risk factors of poor sleep quality during gestation. Sleep disorders are common among pregnant women in Poland and increase significantly as the pregnancy progresses. Developing and introducing a simple and easily available screening tool to assess sleep quality in common practice might improve the quality of the health care of pregnant women.