The Effect of Vitamin D and Calcium Plus Vitamin D on Sleep Quality in Pregnant Women with Leg Cramps: A Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Evidence indicates that sleep may be affected by using vitamins and minerals or lack of them. This study aimed to determine the effects of vitamin D and calcium-vitamin D in the treatment of sleep disorders in pregnant women with leg cramps. Methods: This triple-blind randomized controlled clinical trial took place on 126 pregnant women referred to Tabriz health centers, Tabriz, Iran, in 2013-2014. Subjects were allocated in to three groups, using block randomization. The groups received vitamin D, calcium-vitamin D and placebo pills daily for 60 days. Sleep score was measured before and after the intervention, using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. ANCOVA test was used for data analysis. Findings: Controlling baseline score before the intervention, there was no significant differences in the sleep quality score after intervention between the group receiving calcium-vitamin D and the control group (adjusted difference: -0.3, 95% confidence interval: -1.4 to 2.1), the group receiving vitamin D and controls (adjusted difference: -0.007, 95% confidence interval: -1.7 to 1.7) and between the two groups receiving calcium-vitamin D and vitamin D (adjusted difference: -0.3, 95% confidence interval: -1.4 to 2.1). Also, there was no significant difference between the groups in sleep quality subscales (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The results show that calcium-vitamin D and vitamin D does not effect on improving the sleep quality in pregnant women with leg cramps.

Keywords

• Vitamin D
• Calcium-vitamin D
• Sleep disorders
• Pregnant
• Cramps