Table 3.
Top 10 sleep research priorities by theme according to pregnant/postpartum women (for full overall league table, see Supplemental Digital Content 4).
| Rank | Sleep Research Question | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnant/Postpartum Group | ||
| Impact of pregnancy on sleep | ||
| 4 | What causes poor sleep quality in pregnancy? | 266 |
| 5 | What type and duration of sleep is atypical in pregnancy and does this differ across trimesters? | 263 |
| 6 | Why do pregnant women have insomnia and what can be done to help with this? | 263 |
| 7 | What is the function of regular waking in pregnancy and how does this impact maternal sleep? | 262 |
| 9 | Is circadian rhythm (sleep/wake cycle) different in pregnant versus non-pregnant? | 255 |
| Safety | ||
| 1 | What is the best/safest position for sleep during pregnancy for both maternal and fetal health? (i.e., back, belly, right/left side) | 286 |
| 2 | What sleeping positions are best to avoid/protect back, neck and hip pain, cramp and pins and needles? | 283 |
| Sleeping Aids | ||
| 3 | How can I improve my sleep (naturally and otherwise) in pregnancy? | 276 |
| Exercise and Sleep | ||
| 8 | How important is it to rest if tired, should I push through and do some exercise instead? | 262 |
| 10 | Are there any specific exercise considerations to improving sleep? | 253 |
| Healthcare providers and Exercise Professional Group | ||
| Impact of pregnancy on sleep | ||
| 2 | How can pregnant women improve sleep quality? (i.e., exercise) | 99 |
| 3 | How does sleep quality impact maternal mental health? (Including bonding with baby, forgetfulness) | 98 |
| 7 | Is there an association between sleep and energy levels in pregnancy? | 89 |
| 10 | What are the causes and implications of pregnancy related insomnia? | 86 |
| 6 | What sleep patterns (duration, quality, stages) are typical in pregnancy and does this change across trimesters? | 90 |
| Maternal sleep and pregnancy outcomes/complications | ||
| 9 | What sleep positions are best in pregnancy-are some linked to pregnancy related complications? | 88 |
| 1 | What are the benefits/implications of sleeping enough/less than recommended? (i.e., on pregnancy outcomes) | 100 |
| 4 | How does maternal sleep impact immediate and long term fetal health? | 96 |
| Exercise and Sleep | ||
| 5 | Is there a link between stress, lack of sleep and poor exercise habits? | 90 |
| Sleeping Aids | ||
| 8 | What pharmacotherapy is beneficial and safe to improve sleep in pregnancy? (i.e., melatonin) | 88 |