The relationship between disturbed sleep and cognitive functioning during pregnancy: an exploratory study : & clinical research portfolio

Horne, Kirsty Elizabeth (2010) The relationship between disturbed sleep and cognitive functioning during pregnancy: an exploratory study : & clinical research portfolio. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Women commonly complain of cognitive impairment during pregnancy; although some research has confirmed impairments using objective tests, the aetiology of this is uncertain. The relationship between disturbed sleep during pregnancy and cognitive functioning has not been specifically investigated. Using a correlational design, the present study aimed to examine the relationship between disturbed sleep and cognitive functioning during pregnancy. Method: Sixty-four women in the third trimester of pregnancy completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Insomnia Severity Index. A sub-sample also undertook actigraphic monitoring to obtain objective estimates of sleep quality. Cognitive functioning was measured subjectively using the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire and objectively using the IntegNeuro computer package. Results: Women reported significant sleep disturbance, which was confirmed by actigraphic monitoring in a sub-sample. Poorer subjective and objective sleep quality was related to more self-reported cognitive failures. Subjective sleep quality was also significantly correlated with objective measures of delayed verbal recall, but not to other domains of cognitive functioning. Poorer objectively measured sleep was related to decreased vigilance. Women reporting significant sleep disturbance reported significantly more cognitive failures than good sleepers, although this difference was not reflected by performance on objective cognitive tests. Conclusion: Sleep disturbance during pregnancy is related to subjective cognitive impairment and to some domains of cognitive performance using objective cognitive tests.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: pregnancy, sleep disturbance, cognitive functioning, memory
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology; R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing
• Supervisor's Name: Espie, Prof. Colin A.
• Date of Award: 2010
• Depositing User: Mrs Kirsty Horne
• Unique ID: glathesis:2010-2121
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 20 Nov 2010
• Last Modified: 10 Dec 2012 13:51
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/2121