Sleep Disorders in Pregnancy: A Narrative Review

Background: Sleep disorders are common during pregnancy and are increasingly being recognized as important contributors to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Physiological, hormonal, and anatomical changes occurring normally throughout pregnancy significantly alter sleep pattern and architecture and predispose women to various sleep disturbances.Aim: This review summarizes the current evidence on the prevalence, types, risk factors, maternal and fetal consequences, diagnosis, and management of sleep disorders during pregnancy.Method: A narrative review of published literature was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2015 and 2025 were prioritized, while landmark earlier studies were also included. Results: Insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), restless legs syndrome (RLS), and excessive daytime sleepiness are the most frequently reported sleep disorders during pregnancy. Their prevalence increases as pregnancy advances and is associated with obesity, advanced maternal age, multiparity, anxiety, depression, and chronic medical conditions. Untreated sleep disorders are associated with gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, Caesarean delivery, preterm birth, fetal growth abnormalities, postpartum depression, and impaired maternal quality of life.Conclusion: Early recognition and multidisciplinary management of sleep disorders should form an integral component of routine antenatal care. Non-pharmacological interventions remain the cornerstone of treatment, while pharmacotherapy should be individualized after careful assessment of maternal benefits and fetal risks