0329 Poor Prenatal Sleep and Postpartum Depression are Associated with Infant Sleep Problems

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Childhood sleep problems are associated with increased risk of psychiatric conditions later in life. Sleep disturbances are prevalent during pregnancy and associated with postpartum depression and persistent sleep disturbance. Although maternal sleep and mood likely contribute to infant sleep problems, relationships between these factors are understudied. The present study examined associations of prenatal maternal sleep and postpartum depression with infant sleep patterns. Methods The sample included 235 women (29.2±5.8 years old), who were enrolled in a longitudinal study beginning in the first trimester of pregnancy. Maternal sleep and mood were assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale during 3 prenatal and 2 postpartum visits. Infant sleep patterns were assessed with the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire at 2-, 6-, and 12-months. Mixed model repeated measure analyses were conducted to examine changes in maternal and infant sleep across time. Partial correlation adjusted for age, depression, and postpartum maternal sleep was performed to estimate the association between prenatal maternal sleep and infant sleep. ANCOVAs controlling for age were conducted to assess the effect of postpartum depression on infant sleep. Results Maternal sleep quality deteriorated during the third trimester and 2-months postpartum, and improved at 6-months postpartum (ps< .001). Infant sleep became more consolidated with age, with decreased nocturnal awakenings (frequency and duration) and increased nighttime sleep duration (ps< .001). Poorer prenatal maternal sleep was associated with shorter infant sleep duration at 6 months (r=-0.33, p<.001). Mothers with persistent postpartum depression reported their child as having longer daytime sleep compared to their counterparts (F=3.55, p<.05). Conclusion Prenatal sleep problems and persistent postpartum depression are associated with poorer infant sleep. Our findings suggest that screening and preventive interventions for sleep problems during pregnancy may have beneficial impact on infant sleep. Support Research supported by National Institutes of Health MH-96889.