Gestational sleep deprivation is associated with higher offspring body mass index and blood pressure

Abstract

Study Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between gestational sleep deprivation and childhood adiposity and cardiometabolic profile. Methods Data were used from two population-based birth cohorts (Rhea study and Amsterdam Born Children and their Development study). A total of 3,608 pregnant women and their children were followed up until the age of 11 years. Gestational sleep deprivation was defined as 6 or fewer hours of sleep per day, reported by questionnaire. The primary outcomes included repeated measures of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body fat, serum lipids, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels in childhood. We performed a pooled analysis with adjusted linear mixed effect and Cox proportional hazards models. We tested for mediation by birthweight, gestational age, and gestational diabetes. Results Gestational sleep deprivation was associated with higher BMI (beta; 95% CI: 0.7; 0.4, 1.0 kg/m2) and waist circumference (beta; 95% CI: 0.9; 0.1, 1.6 cm) in childhood, and increased risk for overweight or obesity (HR; 95% CI: 1.4; 1.1, 2.0). Gestational sleep deprivation was also associated with higher offspring DBP (beta; 95% CI: 1.6; 0.5, 2.7 mmHg). The observed associations were modified by sex (all p-values for interaction < 0.05); and were more pronounced in girls. Gestational diabetes and shorter gestational age partly mediated the seen associations. Conclusions This is the first study showing that gestational sleep deprivation may increase offspring’s adiposity and blood pressure, while exploring possible mechanisms. Attention to glucose metabolism and preterm birth might be extra warranted in mothers with gestational sleep deprivation.

Epigenetics of Sleep Disruption

“…This study also showed that the association was more pronounced in girls than boys [130], which is in contrast with mice study. Along with sleep deprivation, the authors of this study also encourage further studies on sleep quality during pregnancy [130]. Also, there is a need for an official sleep recommendation for pregnant women; however, based on the findings of this study, sleep deprivation (i.e., sleep duration of 6 h and less) has to be avoided at any stage of pregnancy [130].…”

“…Data from two European cohorts were used to accommodate diversity in ethnic and demographic characteristics, and it was found that gestational sleep deprivation might be associated with an increased risk of overweight and higher blood pressure in offspring till the age of 11 years [130]. This study also showed that the association was more pronounced in girls than boys [130], which is in contrast with mice study. Along with sleep deprivation, the authors of this study also encourage further studies on sleep quality during pregnancy [130].…”

“…Sleep fragmentation is reported, especially during the late gestation phase [129], and sleep disorders in pregnancy were also associated with increased gestational weight gain, pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes mellitus, and adverse perinatal and post-natal outcomes. For example, intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, preterm birth, a child's risk of overweight and obesity [130][131][132] are proposed to occur in offspring through epigenetic modifications [133]. Although some mice studies have provided evidence for the role of epigenetic factors and mediating pathways during pregnancy, there is still a lack in human studies that link gestational sleep disruption with the cardio-metabolic health of the offspring.…”

“…Later in 2016, two other mice studies [136,137] demonstrated that gestational sleep deprivation could elevate blood pressure in offspring through the autonomic regulation in cardiovascular and renal alterations [23,24]. A recent study in humans has evaluated the association between gestational sleep deprivation, childhood adiposity, and cardio-metabolic health [130]. Data from two European cohorts were used to accommodate diversity in ethnic and demographic characteristics, and it was found that gestational sleep deprivation might be associated with an increased risk of overweight and higher blood pressure in offspring till the age of 11 years [130].…”

“…A recent study in humans has evaluated the association between gestational sleep deprivation, childhood adiposity, and cardio-metabolic health [130]. Data from two European cohorts were used to accommodate diversity in ethnic and demographic characteristics, and it was found that gestational sleep deprivation might be associated with an increased risk of overweight and higher blood pressure in offspring till the age of 11 years [130]. This study also showed that the association was more pronounced in girls than boys [130], which is in contrast with mice study.…”