Research Article

A Comparative Study of Sleep Quality and Anxiety Levels Among Pregnant and Non-pregnant Women

Volume: 7 Number: 3 September 30, 2026
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A Comparative Study of Sleep Quality and Anxiety Levels Among Pregnant and Non-pregnant Women

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: The objective of this study was to compare sleep quality and anxiety levels between pregnant and non pregnant women, while specifically examining the relationship between sleep disturbances and anxiety during the gestational and postpartum periods. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2014 and August 2015 at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic of Kayseri Training and Research Hospital, Türkiye. Data were collected from 200 pregnant women in the third trimester and 200 non-pregnant women using a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Fear of Childbirth and Postpartum Period Scale (FCPPS). Results: Poor sleep quality was observed in 73% of pregnant women and 47% of non-pregnant women (p<0.001). Pregnant women had significantly higher PSQI total scores and scores for subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, and sleep disturbances than non-pregnant women (p<0.05). Nulliparous pregnant women demonstrated significantly higher FCPPS scores than multiparous women (p<0.05). Higher anxiety scores were observed among pregnant women experiencing back pain and leg cramps (p<0.05). Concerns related to labor, lack of partner support after birth, and pre-traumatic worries were significantly higher in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women (p<0.05). No statistically significant correlation was found between PSQI and FCPPS scores among pregnant women (p=0.098). Conclusion: Pregnant women experienced poorer sleep quality than non-pregnant women, and nulliparous women exhibited higher levels of childbirth- and postpartum-related anxiety. The absence of a significant association between sleep quality and anxiety suggests that sleep disturbances during pregnancy may be influenced by physiological factors independent of psychological anxiety. Keywords: Pregnancy, sleep quality, anxiety, postpartum period.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Ethical Statement

This study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval was obtained from the Eskişehir Osmangazi University Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee (Approval No: 2014/02). Prior to data collection, institutional permission was obtained from a tertiary training and research hospital in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants before enrollment. Participation was voluntary, and confidentiality and anonymity were maintained throughout the study.

Thanks

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my dear mother and beloved spouse for their constant support and encouragement throughout this study.

References

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  7. Abebe, M., Tebeje, T. M., Yimer, N., Simon, T., Belete, A., Melaku, G., Hareru, H. E. (2024). Fear of childbirth and its associated factors among pregnant women in East Africa: Systematic review and metaanalysis. Midwifery, 139, 104191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2024.104191
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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Public Health (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

September 30, 2026

Submission Date

March 15, 2026

Acceptance Date

July 27, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 7 Number: 3

APA
Çakır, F., Sayiner, F., & Açmaz, G. (2026). A Comparative Study of Sleep Quality and Anxiety Levels Among Pregnant and Non-pregnant Women. Turkish Journal of Science and Health, 7(3), 183-192. https://doi.org/10.51972/tfsd.1909573
AMA
1.Çakır F, Sayiner F, Açmaz G. A Comparative Study of Sleep Quality and Anxiety Levels Among Pregnant and Non-pregnant Women. TFSD. 2026;7(3):183-192. doi:10.51972/tfsd.1909573
Chicago
Çakır, Fatma, Fatma Sayiner, and Gökhan Açmaz. 2026. “A Comparative Study of Sleep Quality and Anxiety Levels Among Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women”. Turkish Journal of Science and Health 7 (3): 183-92. https://doi.org/10.51972/tfsd.1909573.
EndNote
Çakır F, Sayiner F, Açmaz G (September 1, 2026) A Comparative Study of Sleep Quality and Anxiety Levels Among Pregnant and Non-pregnant Women. Turkish Journal of Science and Health 7 3 183–192.
IEEE
[1]F. Çakır, F. Sayiner, and G. Açmaz, “A Comparative Study of Sleep Quality and Anxiety Levels Among Pregnant and Non-pregnant Women”, TFSD, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 183–192, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.51972/tfsd.1909573.
ISNAD
Çakır, Fatma - Sayiner, Fatma - Açmaz, Gökhan. “A Comparative Study of Sleep Quality and Anxiety Levels Among Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women”. Turkish Journal of Science and Health 7/3 (September 1, 2026): 183-192. https://doi.org/10.51972/tfsd.1909573.
JAMA
1.Çakır F, Sayiner F, Açmaz G. A Comparative Study of Sleep Quality and Anxiety Levels Among Pregnant and Non-pregnant Women. TFSD. 2026;7:183–192.
MLA
Çakır, Fatma, et al. “A Comparative Study of Sleep Quality and Anxiety Levels Among Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women”. Turkish Journal of Science and Health, vol. 7, no. 3, Sept. 2026, pp. 183-92, doi:10.51972/tfsd.1909573.
Vancouver
1.Fatma Çakır, Fatma Sayiner, Gökhan Açmaz. A Comparative Study of Sleep Quality and Anxiety Levels Among Pregnant and Non-pregnant Women. TFSD. 2026 Sep. 1;7(3):183-92. doi:10.51972/tfsd.1909573


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