Self-reported short sleep duration and frequent snoring in pregnancy: impact on glucose metabolism

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the impact of short sleep duration (SSD) and frequent snoring (FS) on glucose metabolism during pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a prospective cohort study of healthy nulliparas who participated in a sleep survey study. SSD was defined as <7 hours of sleep per night and FS, as snoring >= 3 nights per week. Outcomes included 1-hour oral glucose tolerance results and the presence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 189 women participated; 48% reported an SSD and 18.5% reported FS. SSD and FS were associated with higher oral glucose tolerance values: SSD (116 +/- 31 vs 105 +/- 23; P=.008) and FS (118 +/- 34 vs 108 +/- 25; P=.04). Both SSD (10.2% vs 1.1%; P=.008) and FS (14.3% vs 3.3%; P=.009) were associated with a higher incidence of GDM. Even after controlling for potential confounders, SSD and FS remained associated with GDM. CONCLUSION: SSD and FS are associated with glucose intolerance in pregnancy.