ABSTRACT
Pregnancy is a complex developmental process that involves significant physiological and psychological changes for each woman. The ability of a woman to go through the entirety of changes involved in pregnancy, birth, and motherhood depends on psychological and biological factors, including the woman's characteristic disposition, her family situation, the level of support she receives, and her socioeconomic situation. The increase in the release of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy affects both sleep and wakefulness. The expansion of the womb causes pressure on the diaphragm and breathing difficulties, in addition to those caused by the natural weight gain during pregnancy. Sleep disturbances during pregnancy are normative and familiar phenomena. Sleep disturbances during pregnancy can also be related to mental health problems, which may sometimes require treatment. Women suffering from Restless legs syndrome complain of difficulty falling asleep, difficulty remaining asleep, rising early in the morning, and tiredness during the day.
