Prenatal Sleep Linked to Postpartum Mental Health Outcomes [ID: 1375042

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Sleep disturbances commonly occur in pregnancy; and the postpartum state confers elevated risk for mental health disorders. In nonpregnant populations, sleep problems have been linked to mental health problems. The scant research on the association between prenatal sleep disturbances and postpartum mental health has produced mixed results. The goal of this project was to evaluate the association between prenatal sleep and postpartum mental health. METHODS: This IRB-approved prospective cohort study included 336 individuals receiving prenatal care at a single institution between August 2020 and April 2021. Participants completed a baseline questionnaire upon recruitment, in the first or early second trimester, and a follow-up questionnaire at 4–8 weeks postpartum. Individuals completed surveys for sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale [PHQ-8]), and anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder scale [GAD-7]). RESULTS: After adjusting for baseline depression and potential confounders, prenatal global sleep quality (PSQI, >5) was associated with development of postpartum depression (PHQ-8, ≥10) (relative risk [RR] 1.12: 95% CI 1.01–1.25). Specifically, sleep quality (RR 2.18: 95% CI 1.22–3.91) and sleep latency (RR 1.52: 95% CI 1.06–2.17) were associated with postpartum depression. Prenatal sleep problems were associated with higher postpartum anxiety scores (RR 1.09: 95% CI 0.99–1.20), but findings did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Prenatal sleep problems are associated with the development of postpartum depression. Research suggests that treating prenatal insomnia may prevent postpartum depression. Screening for sleep disorders in pregnancy could potentially be used to target screening and prevention measures for postpartum depression.