Why pregnant women need enough sleep

Lack of sleep during pregnancy may impact fetal glucose metabolism and contribute to neurodevelopmental delays—especially in boys.

February 20, 2025

Feature of the week

Why pregnant women need enough sleep (and it’s not just for beauty)

A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that insufficient sleep during pregnancy may increase the mother’s risk of gestational diabetes.

💡 Additionally, brain development is an energy-intensive process that requires steady glucose supply. When disruptions occur, these could affect the baby’s insulin levels and, in turn, affect their cognitive development.

Interestingly, the study found this risk was significant only in boys, while girls showed no measurable effects from their mothers’ sleep deprivation.

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