A University of Ghana physiology study has raised new questions about sleep, brain function and inflammation in preeclampsia.
The study compared 50 women with preeclampsia and 50 pregnant women with normal blood pressure.
Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy condition linked to high blood pressure and organ stress. It remains one of the major pregnancy dangers watched closely in hospitals.
Researchers looked at sleep quality, sleepiness, brain connectivity and blood markers of inflammation.
Each participant also had a 32-lead resting-state EEG test. Blood samples of 5 ml were collected to measure CRP and IL-6.
The overall sleep quality score did not differ significantly between the two groups. But sleep efficiency and sleep duration categories were different.
Brain activity also showed differences in beta frequency bands. These changes suggested altered functional connectivity in women with preeclampsia.
The strongest public health warning came from inflammation. Poor sleep quality significantly predicted higher IL-6 and CRP levels.
This matters because inflammation can worsen blood vessel and organ problems in preeclampsia.
The study does not say sleep alone causes preeclampsia. But it suggests sleep problems may be part of the risk picture and should not be ignored during pregnancy care.