Detecting sleep and physical activity changes across the perinatal period using wearable technology.

Publisher: BioMed Central Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 100967799 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1471-2393 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 14712393 NLM ISO Abbreviation: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: London : BioMed Central, [2001-

Exercise*/physiology ; Wearable Electronic Devices* ; Postpartum Period*; Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Adult ; Sleep/physiology ; Sleep Quality ; Fitness Trackers ; Young Adult

Background: Pregnant women may not experience disruptions in sleep duration throughout the course of pregnancy, however, their sleep quality is dramatically impaired. Sleep quality deteriorates throughout pregnancy, reaching its lowest in the third trimester. The purpose of this study was to understand the change in sleep patterns across the perinatal period, as well as the impact of physical activity on sleep.
Methods: A total of 18 physically active women trying to conceive wore a WHOOP strap (a fitness monitor) across the perinatal period. Daily behavior changes were tracked including time awake, hours in deep sleep, physical activity, and time in moderate to vigorous physical activity.
Results: Women maintained overall physical activity levels during and after pregnancy and averaged 20.70 min of physical activity and 6.97 h of sleep per day. Total time in awake hours increased postpartum. Moderate-vigorous physical activity minutes improved deep sleep hours overall (Est. = 0.003 h, p < 0.0001) and during pregnancy (Est. = 0.00001 h, p = 0.0004). Similar effects were found for all activity minutes, although in post pregnancy the moderating impact of activity minutes no longer maintained significance (p = 0.09).\.
Conclusions: Wearable technology, including fitness monitors such as WHOOP straps offer a convenient and less invasive way to track sleep and physical activity during the perinatal period. The findings of this study indicate a positive connection between sleep and engaging in moderate to vigorous activity and any activity throughout the perinatal period. These results may help inform clinical and practical recommendations for physical activity to improve sleep outcomes for pregnant women.
Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethical approval and consent to participate: This study was approved by West Virginia University’s Institutional Review Board (#1912819563). The study complies with all requirements of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was obtained by all participants prior to enrolling in this study. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
(© 2024. The Author(s).)

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U54 GM104942 United States GM NIGMS NIH HHS; 5U54GM104942-05 United States GM NIGMS NIH HHS

Keywords: Exercise; Maternal health; Pregnancy; Sleep; Wearable technology
Local Abstract: [plain-language-summary] There is existing evidence to show that sleep quality declines throughout pregnancy. However, a study continuously gathering sleep data during pregnancy and after delivery has not been conducted. Additionally, less is known about how physical activity during this time may affect sleep quality. [plain-language-summary] This study followed women throughout and after their pregnancy, using wearable technology to track sleep and physical activity during this time. The findings show that physical activity regardless of intensity is associated with a positive impact on sleep. Clinical recommendations regarding physical activity could potentially help improve the lives and sleep of women during this time.

Date Created: 20241126 Date Completed: 20241126 Latest Revision: 20241128

20241202

PMC11590326

10.1186/s12884-024-06991-1

39587537