Sleep disturbances – what is the impact on women undergoing intrauterine insemination?

This study investigated sleep disturbances in women undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI). They found that nausea and psychological distress (PD) increases the risk of sleep disturbance. 

Sleep disturbances affect many women. Sleep disturbance is very common in women undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI). IUI is an assisted reproductive technique (ART). The first step of IUI involves taking hormones. This stimulates egg release from the ovary. Semen is delivered directly into the uterus. This may improve the chance of fertilization. 

Hormonal changes can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and tiredness. These are called somatic symptoms (SS). It can also lead to psychological distress (PD). Sleep disturbance also occurs. Several studies have investigated SS and PD in women undergoing IUI. Less research has looked at sleep disturbance. It is also unclear if SS and PD affect sleep disturbance in women undergoing IUI. 

This study included 117 women undergoing IUI. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire. The questionnaire recorded SS, PD, and sleep. 

35% of patients reported sleep disturbance. Patients that reported sleep disturbance had poorer sleep quality. The risk of sleep disturbance was 32% higher in patients that reported nausea. The risk of sleep disturbance was 5.58 times higher in patients that reported PD.  

The authors concluded that nausea and psychological distress increase the risk of sleep disturbance in women with infertility.

The number of patients in this study was relatively small. This makes it difficult to make statistical comparisons. The information on sleep was self-reported. This can lead to biased reports. More studies are needed.