Work

“Sleep on side”: Awareness and anxiety around sleeping position during late pregnancy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The "Sleep on Side" policy was recently introduced in Australian antenatal clinics to reduce the risk of late stillbirth associated with going-to-sleep on the back. AIM: To assess knowledge of side sleeping recommendations in pregnancy and explore feelings of anxiety in relation to this policy, and how these feelings may impact sleep. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of sleep position measured for seven nights between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Participants completed a sleep diary each morning, and at the end of the week completed a survey regarding knowledge and anxiety around sleeping position. FINDINGS: Sleep position data was collected in 80 participants, with 43 participants completing anxiety surveys. Almost all participants (95 %) reported receiving side sleeping advice during pregnancy, the most common source being their antenatal care provider. Twenty-three percent of women reported "moderate" or "very much" anxiety around their sleeping position or waking on their back overnight. Anxiety towards sleeping position was associated with self-reported supine sleep (p < .001), and use of additional pillows to support behind the back (p < .001). Overall self-reported sleep quality was not affected by anxiety, apart from alertness upon awakening (p = .001). DISCUSSION: In this cohort, the Sleep on Side policy has been disseminated widely with women understanding the rationale for encouraging a safe sleeping position. While many women receive this advice with minimal worry, almost a quarter of women may experience anxiety that may potentially affect their sleeping behaviour. CONCLUSION: Advice on sleeping position should be carefully balanced with potential harms to maternal sleep and mental health.

Source: Women and Birth

DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102121

Authors: Danielle L. Wilson, Dwayne L. Mann, Irene Szollosi, Leonie Callaway, Alka Kothari, Philip Terrill

Institutions: The University of Queensland, Prince Charles Hospital, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Redcliffe Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,613