Sleep Disturbances Among Pregnant Women Attending a Maternity Teaching Hospital in Erbil, Iraq

Background and aim Sleep disturbances during pregnancy are a common occurrence and can significantly impact both maternal and fetal health. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the severity of sleep disturbances among pregnant women attending the Erbil Maternity Teaching Hospital in Erbil, Iraq. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted from July 15, 2023, to August 15, 2024, at the Erbil Maternity Teaching Hospital in Erbil using convenience sampling. Data were gathered using a self-structured questionnaire that included demographic information and a 20-item sleep disturbance assessment. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata version 12 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX), and parametric tests such as the t-test, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression were used to examine the relationships between sleep disturbances and demographic variables. A p-value of less than 0.001 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 300 participants were enrolled in the study. The mean sleep disturbance score was 47.58 ± 9.83, indicating that most participants experienced mild sleep disturbances. Sleep disturbances did not significantly differ by age, education level, occupation, or residency. However, economic status was significantly associated with sleep disturbance levels, with lower-income participants experiencing more severe disturbances (p = 0.02). Conclusions The study found that most pregnant women experienced mild sleep disturbances, with lower economic status being a significant predictor of more severe sleep issues. Healthcare providers and policymakers are recommended to develop targeted interventions that address the unique needs of pregnant women, particularly those from lower-income groups, to improve sleep quality and overall maternal health outcomes.