| Authors | Wilson, D.L. Walker, S.P. Fung, A.M. O'Donoghue, F. J. Barnes, M. Howard, M.E. |
|---|---|
| Type | Journal Article (Original Research) |
| Journal | Sleep and Biological Rhythms |
| Year of Publication | 2017 |
| URL | https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41105-017-0125-7 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1007/s41105-017-0125-7 |
| Abstract | Pregnant women have a two- to threefold increased prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) compared to the general population, and the majority of RLS patients also experience periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS). PLMS have been associated with sleep disturbance as well as autonomic heart rate and blood pressure responses; however, the prevalence, cause and significance of PLMS during pregnancy remain unknown. This study evaluated the presence of PLMS in late pregnancy and its relationship to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Ninety-one women in the third trimester of pregnancy underwent overnight polysomnography. An RLS questionnaire and the Multivariate Apnea Risk Index were administered and venous blood was sampled within 2 weeks of the sleep study. After exclusions due to obstructive sleep apnoea and signal loss, PLMS data were available for 73 women, 36 hypertensive women and 37 BMI- and gestation-matched controls. PLMS were found to be very common during pregnancy; 45% of women had a PLMS index > 5 and 25% had a PLMS index > 15. The number of PLMS per hour did not differ by hypertensive status. Sleep quality was mostly unaffected by PLMS, as was change in blood pressure overnight. While RLS was reported by 18.3% of the sample, this did not reliably predict the presence of PLMS. Despite iron deficiency being common in this population, it was not associated with PLMS. This novel study investigating the frequency and impact of PLMS during pregnancy revealed that PLMS are very common in the third trimester; however, this disorder appears to be benign in terms of objective sleep quality and relationship with pregnancy-related hypertension. |
http://www.ibas.org.au/what-we-do/publications/3872936
Motor neurone disease (MND) causes the body's muscles to weaken. Breathing muscle weakness means that most people affected by MND will eventually lose the ability to take a deep breath and cough strongly....
RESPIRATORY BIOMARKERS IN MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE
The inability to breathe is unfortunately the most common cause of death in people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Last year, our clinical research group in Melbourne reported that breathing...
PERTH HIGHLIGHTS: TSANZSRS 2026
A huge congratulations to all our team members who participated in the excellent workshops and meetings at the TSANZSRS Annual Scientific Meeting in Perth in March 2026!
BETTER SLEEP, BETTER LIFE TIPS
For World Sleep Day, Dr. Amy Jordan joined the "Get Cereal" panelists Sam and Matilda to share top tips for better sleep, discussing the vital importance of sleep health and hygiene in a podcast interview.
Kudos to Dr. Lauren Booker & Dr. Jen Cori on their JOEM publication examining fatigue detection alarms in rural truck drivers. Their study explores the alarms' effectiveness, accuracy, and habituation, offering key insights into fatigue management.
HONORING EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH
Congratulations to Prof. Anne Holland and A/Prof. Narelle Cox for being featured in the NHMRC's 10 of the Best - 16th Edition. Their work exemplifies groundbreaking research delivering extraordinary outcomes.
© 2026 Institute for Breathing and Sleep. All Rights Reserved. ABN 39 093 685 879
Powered by Helmut Design | Manage
