The Relationship Between Leg Muscle Cramps and Sleep Quality in Pregnant Women Visited the Health Centers in Tabriz

Abstract Background: Leg muscle cramps (LMCs) and sleep disorders are a common problem during pregnancy, and may be correlated. Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the features of LMCs and sleep quality as well as their association in the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 439 pregnant women referred to health centers/posts of Tabriz, Iran, in 2014. The participants were selected through double stage cluster sampling method. Data were collected by using a socio-demographic questionnaire, Pittsburgh sleep quality index and leg muscle cramp characteristics questionnaire. Chi-square, Independent t, Pearson and Spearman correlation and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for data analysis. Results: The mean ± SD total sleep quality score was 8.8 ± 3.9, within a possible score range of 0 to 21. About 84% of the women had sleep quality disturbances. LMCs were observed in more than half of the participants and there was a statistically significant correlation between the occurrence of LMCs and total sleep quality score (P = 0.001) and sub domains of sleep disturbances and daytime dysfunction (P < 0.001). There was also a significant relationship between occurrence of sleep quality disturbances and occurrence of LMCs (P = 0.006). Conclusions: The present study showed that leg muscle cramps and sleep disorder are common during pregnancy and sleep quality disturbances are correlated with occurrence of leg muscle cramps. Prevention and treatment actions should be considered in the prenatal care.