JMIR Cardio · Published 2026-04-29 · DOI 10.2196/81118
Abstract BackgroundBoth poor sleep health and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Whether poor postpartum sleep contributes to the relationship between HDP and future cardiovascular disease is unknown. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of studying sleep health using a wearable device (Oura ring) among mothers of young children. ObjectiveWe evaluated indices of sleep health both objectively with the Oura ring and subjectively via questionnaires and qualitative interviews among mothers with and without a history of HDP. We also aimed to compare cardiovascular health (CVH) among mothers with vs without a prior history of HDP. MethodsWomen who were 3 to 7 years after childbirth completed baseline questionnaires (the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI], Mediterranean Eating Pattern for Americans tool, and 7-item International Physical Activity Questionnaire) and wore the Oura ring continuously for 2 weeks to monitor sleep. Optimal sleep health was defined as a sleep duration of ≥7 hours, a PSQI score of ≤5, sleep timing with a sleep midpoint between 2 AM and 4 AM, a sleep efficiency of >85%, and a sleep onset variability of <60 minutes. CVH was assessed using the Life’s Essential 8 score, with 8 factors assessed via questionnaires (diet, physical activity, and nicotine exposure) and objective measurements (BMI, blood pressure, blood lipids, blood glucose, and sleep duration). Semistructured interviews were conducted. ResultsIn total, among 49 women, 28 (57%) with prior HDP and 21 (43%) with prior normotensive pregnancy were included, with an average of 4.9 (SD 1.2) years after delivery. Average sleep quality was suboptimal in both groups (mean PSQI score 7.0, SD 3.5 in the HDP group vs mean PSQI score 5.9, SD 2.4 in the control group; P=2 ConclusionsAmong postpartum women, sleep health was suboptimal regardless of HDP history. Interventions to improve sleep and CVH should target all mothers during the first decade after childbirth.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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