Postpartum Sleep Quality Research Articles

Relationship Between Optional General and Regional Anesthesia Applied to Patients Undergoing Cesarean Section and Sleep Quality

Objective: This study aimed to explore the association between anesthesia type (spinal or general) administered during cesarean section and subsequent sleep quality in women. Methods: This study conducted from April to August 2023, it involved 150 pregnant participants evenly split between spinal and general anesthesia groups. Patient categorization was based on the type of anesthesia received. Data collection utilized a combination of a Demographic Information and Postpartum Period Survey form, along with the Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale (PSQS). Demographic and clinical details were gathered and compared between the two anesthesia groups. Results: Indicated a higher level of education among the spinal anesthesia group (p < .01). Significant differences were also observed between the groups concerning economic status and number of deliveries (p < .01 and p = .01, respectively). Interestingly, patients who underwent general anesthesia exhibited a notably higher total sleep score, demonstrating a statistically significant difference (p < .01). Weak but statistically significant positive correlations were found between age and number of deliveries, while a weak negative correlation was noted for economic status. Conclusion: Our results indicated that age and general anesthesia were the independent risk factors affecting postpartum sleep quality. Given the increasing trend of women giving birth at alate age, health professionals, particularly midwives, need to be aware of the increased risk of poor sleep quality and should provide suitable advice.

Breastfeeding Problems of Mothers in the Postpartum Period and Impact on Sleep Quality

Aim: The study was conducted to determine the breastfeeding problems encountered in the postpartum period and its effect on sleep quality. Methods: The sample of the study consisted of 364 mothers who used social media platforms. Data collection tools were applied between 2-8 weeks postpartum with an online questionnaire method. Research data were evaluated using the t-test to compare the means of two groups and the One-Way ANOVA test to compare the means of multiple groups. Results: In the study, the mean age of the mothers was 29.50±4.69 years, 57.4% had graduated from a university. Of the infants of the mothers, 97% took human milk, and 56.6% used pacifiers and bottles. Of the mothers who took part in the study, 73.6% had nipple cracks. The study found the Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale total score mean to be 28.29±8.08. The Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale total score was higher (poor sleep quality) in those with nipple cracks compared to those without. Conclusion: In the study, it was determined that the most common breastfeeding problem in the postpartum period is nipple cracks and that breastfeeding problems reduce the sleep quality of mothers in the postpartum period. Keywords: breastfeeding, postpartum period, sleep quality

Relationship of Postpartum Sleep Quality and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy among Primi Mothers in Postpartum Unit in Selected Hospital, West Bengal

Relationship of Postpartum Sleep Quality and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy among Primi Mothers in Postpartum Unit in Selected Hospital, West Bengal

Decoding distress among pandemic pregnancies: Examining pregnancy distress and COVID-19 stress as concurrent predictors of current and anticipated postpartum sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectivesThe goal of the present study was to examine pregnancy distress, COVID-19 stress, COVID-19 compliance, and life satisfaction as concurrent predictors of perceived current and anticipated postpartum sleep duration (SD) and quality among a U.S. sample of pregnant individuals. MethodsThe sample comprised 544 pregnant individuals (62.3% non-Hispanic White; mean age = 28.0 and SD = 6.2), most of whom were in their third trimester (42.3%). Participants were recruited through an online panel (Qualtrics) between October and November 2020. ResultsThe primary analysis was based on a concurrent path model, which examined pregnancy distress, COVID-19 stress, COVID-19 compliance, and life satisfaction as predictors of current and anticipated postpartum SD and sleep quality, controlling for several demographic (eg, age and income), familial (eg, number of children and adults in the home), sleep-related (eg, chronotype and use of sleeping medication), and psychosocial functioning (eg, COVID-19 impact) variables. Results indicated that higher COVID-19 compliance was significantly associated with poorer current sleep quality. Furthermore, both pregnancy distress and COVID-19 stress predicted worse anticipated postpartum sleep quality (but not duration). Life satisfaction, however, was consistently significantly associated with current and anticipated postpartum SD and quality. ConclusionsFindings are critical for understanding how various forms of stress correlate with sleep health behaviors during pregnancy, as well as expectations for postpartum sleep among a vulnerable population at risk for both psychological and sleep challenges during a period of unprecedented global stress.

Effects of Pilates Exercises to Depression and Sleep Quality on the Postpartum Period: A Randomized Controlled Study

Aim: Postpartum is one of the most critical processes in women. Many changes occur in the female
 body during this process. Exercise is the easiest method to manage these changes. Our study aimed to
 understand how postpartum depression, sleep quality, and functional levels affect women who perform
 pilates exercises.
 Material and Methods: In this randomized controlled study, 57 postpartum volunteer women between
 six weeks and six months, aged 25-38, with a single baby, were randomly included in 28 pilates and 29
 control groups. The pilates group was given pilates exercises for one hour a day, two days a week for
 12 weeks, by a physical therapist. The control group was given a home program consisting of relaxation
 and breathing exercises. Before and after the study, depression was evaluated using the Edinburgh
 Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), sleep quality, the Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale (PSQS), and
 postnatal functional levels, the Inventory of Functional Status After Childbirth (IFSAC) was evaluated
 using the questionnaire form-filling method.
 Results: EPDS (8.71±1.42 versus 7.06±1.21, p=0.001), PSQS (25.69±3.40 versus 22.91±3.04,
 p=0.001), IFSAC (2.47±0.41 versus 2.93±0.21, p=0.001) scores statistically significant improvements
 were observed in pilates group. While the control group did not show a significant difference in
 depression levels (8.85±1.50 versus 8.95±1.23, p=0.479), statistically worsening of sleep quality
 (26.17±3.41 versus 27.59±2.94, p=0.009) and postpartum functional level parameters were observed
 (2.65±0.42 versus 2.48±0.46, p=0.016).
 Conclusion: The results showed that 12-week pilates exercises applied during the postpartum period
 could improve postpartum women’s functional levels, depression levels, and sleep quality.

The effect of postpartum sleep quality on the perception of insufficient milk and attitude to breastfeeding: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the effect of sleep quality of postpartum women on perception of insufficient milk and attitude to breastfeeding. The research was designed as a cross-sectional study. It was carried out with 347 mothers in a university hospital between December 2021 and July 2022. Data was collected via a personal informational form, the Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale (PSQS), the Perception of Insufficient Milk (PIM) Questionnaire and the Breastfeeding Attitude Rating Scale (BAAS). According to the results of the correlation analysis, there was a statistically significant negative relationship between the total mean score of the Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale and the mean total score of both the Perception of Insufficient Milk and the Breastfeeding Attitude Assessment Scale (r = -.340, p = .000 and r = -.153, p = .002 respectively). Examining the variables relating to the PIM score, a statistically significant correlation was found between age, PSQS, education level (bachelor's graduates and above), mode of birth (general anesthesia and cesarean) and breastfeeding experience (previously having given birth or having breastfed a baby) [(R = .448; R2 = ,200; F(5.341) = 17,096; p < .001)]. Mothers often need support to improve their sleep quality, as inadequate milk perception develops due to inadequate milk perception in the early postpartum period and changes their breastfeeding attitudes.

Interventions strategy reducing postpartum fatigue: a literature review

Background:Â Postpartum fatigue is a severe concern for mothers worldwide, and fatigue has a high prevalence rate. Fatigue symptoms impact postpartum maternal role attainment and are also considered to affect her quality of life adversely. Objective:Â This study aimed to identify interventions strategy reducing postpartum fatigue. Methods:Â Literature reviews were conducted with PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar database. Inclusion criteria (1) randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies (2) strategies on mothers with postpartum fatigue study (3) English. Full text. Two reviewers will independently perform selection articles, quality assessment, and data extraction. The methodology's quality and evidence level will be graded using the modified Jadad Scale. Results:Â Eight studies were included (819 postpartum women and, executed nine kinds of interventions). Aerobic gymnastic exercise used DVD significantly decreased levels of postpartum fatigue and also significantly improved stress and postpartum sleep quality. The professionally-led telephone support significantly decreased fatigue and depression, anxiety, stress, and significantly higher self-care behavior. In addition, most instruments used to measure postpartum fatigue are Postpartum Fatigue Scale (PFS) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSC). Conclusions:Â Aerobic gymnastic exercise used DVD and professionally-led telephone support are recommended as strategic interventions for reducing postpartum fatigue.

Postpartum Sleep Quality as a Predictor of Physical and Mental Fatigue in Breatfeeding Women

Postpartum Sleep Quality as a Predictor of Physical and Mental Fatigue in Breatfeeding Women

Psychometric properties of the Persian version of Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale.

Sleep disorders are common during prenatal and postpartum periods which can be associated with physical and psychological maternal and neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale. In this study, 280 women who had given birth two to four months prior to the study were selected using cluster sampling in the year 2020. Construct validity of Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale was assessed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Internal consistency and test-retest were used to determine the reliability of the scale. The content validity index of the scale was 0.88 and the content validity ratio was 0.94. In the exploratory factor analysis, the single-factor structure was extracted. The fit indices confirmed the model validity. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.78 and the intra-class correlation coefficient (95% confidence interval) was 0.97 (0.94 to 0.98). The criterion validity also showed the positive correlation of the scale with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The present study indicates that the Persian version of Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating the postpartum sleep quality in Iranian women. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41105-022-00405-5.

Relationship Between Childbirth Experience and Sexual Function and Sleep Quality in Iranian Postpartum Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The current cross-sectional study analyzed the relationship between childbirth experience and sexual function and sleep quality among women 4 to 5 months postpartum (N = 216). Data were collected using a sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics questionnaire, and the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire-2, Female Sexual Function Index, and Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale. Mean scores of childbirth experience, sexual function, and sleep quality were 2.6 (SD = 0.5), 24.3 (SD = 6.3), and 47.9 (SD = 8.6), respectively. There were significant correlations between childbirth experience and sleep quality (r = 0.16, p = 0.017) and sexual function (r = 0.26, p < 0.001). Results of the general linear model indicated that sexual function (β = 3.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.27, 4.87]) and sleep quality (β = 2.7, 95% CI [0.29, 4.65]) scores increased significantly as the score of childbirth experience increased. Given the direct correlation between childbirth experience and sexual function and sleep quality in postpartum women, implementation of specific programs, such as childbirth preparation classes, is recommended to improve childbirth experience to prevent negative consequences, such as sexual dysfunction and impaired sleep quality. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60(12), 49-55.].

The effect of postpartum sleep quality on mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy level

ABSTRACT This study was performed to investigate the effect of sleep quality of new mothers on their breastfeeding self-efficacy. The data of 52 mothers were analysed in the study. Data were collected by the midwife at the first, sixth and 12th weeks after the birth. In the analysis, the repeated measures ANOVA, independent samples t-test, chi-square test and correlation analysis were used. Sleep quality was poor in 38.5%, 17.3% and 15.4% of the participants in the first, the second and the third follow-ups respectively. Breastfeeding self-efficacy levels of the mothers whose sleep quality was good improved. In promoting breastfeeding, the sleep factor should be considered, and it should be included in social support and postpartum care services.

The Effect of Bergamot Essential Oil Aromatherapy on Improving Depressive Mood and Sleep Quality in Postpartum Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The postpartum period is a physiologically and psychologically crucial transition phase for every woman who gives birth. Aromatherapy may improve mood and alleviate sleep challenges. However, few randomized controlled clinical trials have focused on the effect of aromatherapy in postpartum women. This study was designed to explore the effect of a bergamot essential oil aromatherapy intervention on depressive mood and sleep quality in postpartum women. This randomized controlled trial used consecutive sampling. The participants were all women in a postpartum care center in eastern Taiwan and were randomly assigned to either the experimental (n = 29) or control (n = 31) group. Bergamot essential oil aroma was used in the experimental group, and pure water aroma was used in the control group. The experimental and control interventions were both performed while the participants were residents at the postpartum care center in the afternoon for 15 minutes each day. Before the aroma intervention, pretests were conducted using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale. The first and second posttests were conducted using the same two scales at 2 and 4 weeks after the intervention, respectively. At both the first and second posttests, depressive mood was significantly lower (p < .001) in the experimental group than in the control group, supporting the positive effect of the bergamot essential oil aroma intervention on depressive mood in postpartum women. No significant intergroup difference in sleep quality (p > .05) was observed at either the first or second posttest, indicating an uncertain effect of the bergamot essential oil aroma intervention on sleep quality. The results of this study support the effectiveness of bergamot essential oil aromatherapy in alleviating depressive mood in postpartum women. In addition, the results provide a practical reference for clinical postpartum nursing care.

Effects of family relationship and social support on the mental health of Chinese postpartum women

BackgroundNumerous studies suggest that interpersonal relationships and social support influence the development of postpartum depression and sleep quality for women. However, the effect of support from the husband or the mother-in-law has not been thoroughly validated. The current study examined the relative contribution of marital satisfaction, perceived caring of the mother-in-law, and social support on postpartum depression and sleep quality simultaneously in a path model.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2017 in Hebei, China, using a self-report questionnaire. A total of 817 women participated at 6 weeks postpartum. Sociodemographics and information about marital satisfaction, perceived caring of the mother-in-law, social support, postpartum depression, and sleep were collected. Path analysis was used to analyze the cross-sectional data.ResultsThe final model had a highly satisfactory fit. Marital satisfaction and perceived caring of mother-in-law had both direct and indirect effects on postpartum depression through social support, but these two variables had only an indirect effect on sleep quality through social support and postpartum depression. Sleep quality is a consequence of postpartum depression at 6 weeks after delivery. The prevalence of minor and major postpartum depressive symptoms at 6 weeks postpartum was 41.49 and 23.13%, respectively. A total of 371 (45.41%) women experienced sleep disturbance at 6 weeks postpartum.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that interpersonal relationships with family members play important roles in postpartum depression and sleep quality through social support in Chinese women. Improving the relationship between new mothers and their husbands or mothers-in-law and then enhancing social support might reduce postpartum depression and sleep disturbance.

The influence of sleep quality on weight retention in the postpartum period

Poor sleep in the postpartum is often treated as an unavoidable consequence of childbirth. This study aims to compare objective and subjective measures of sleep, explore the relationship between sleep and postpartum weight retention (PPWR), and investigate factors that may contribute to sleep quality in the postpartum period. In this cross-sectional cohort, PPWR, sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)), and objective sleep and physical activity (accelerometry) were assessed in 109 women 0-52weeks postpartum. Anthropometric and demographic data were collected. Gestational weight gain (GWG) was classified as inadequate, appropriate, or excessive according to Institute of Medicine guidelines. Average GWG (33.7 lbs) and PPWR (5.39 lbs) were not different between "good" (PSQI < 6) and "bad" (PSQI ≥ 6) sleepers. Following adjustment, mothers with excessive GWG who were "bad" sleepers had 5.26 higher odds of PPWR ≥ 10 lbs compared with all other combinations of GWG and PSQI. PSQI was not correlated with total sleep time (accelerometer-derived). Light activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were associated with reduced odds of being a "bad" sleeper. The influence of GWG on PPWR was modified by postpartum sleep quality. Both light activity and meeting the MVPA guidelines in the postpartum were associated with higher sleep quality. Novelty Subjectively rated poor sleep may represent the number of awakenings and wake after sleep onset in postpartum women. Poor postpartum sleep quality increases excessive postpartum weight retention in women with excessive GWG. Women doing light-to-vigorous physical activity in the postpartum are less likely to experience poor sleep quality.

A randomized controlled pilot study of the effectiveness of magnolia tea on alleviating depression in postnatal women.

The magnolia tea has been used in traditional oriental medicine for multiple purposes including sleep aid. Postpartum depression is a mental illness that adversely affects the health and well‐being of many families with newborns. Given the known effectiveness and relative safety, herein we aimed to investigate whether magnolia tea has a palliative effect on postpartum depression. The qualified participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group or the control group. The participants in the intervention group drunk magnolia tea, while the control group received regular postpartum care only. The outcome variables including Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale (PSQS), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and Postpartum Fatigue Scale (PFS) were assessed and compared. In comparison with the control group, the intervention group demonstrated significant difference for physical‐symptom‐related sleep inefficiency (PSQS Factor 2) at 3 weeks post‐test (t = −2.10, p = .03). The comparison results also revealed significant differences for PFS at both 3 weeks post‐test (t = −2.02, p = .04) and 6 weeks post‐test (t = −1.99, p = .04). Further, magnolia tea intervention significantly alleviated the symptoms of depression, reflected by the EPDS scores at 3 weeks post‐test (t = −2.38, p = .02) and 6 weeks post‐test (t = −2.13, p = .02). Our trial results suggested that drinking single‐ingredient magnolia tea for a 3‐week duration has positive effects on postpartum women. Magnolia tea is recommended as a supplementary approach to ameliorate sleep quality of postpartum women, while alleviating their symptoms of depression.

Poor Postpartum Sleep Quality Predicts Subsequent Postpartum Depressive Symptoms in a High-Risk Sample.

Postpartum depression (PPD) occurs in 15% to 20% of mothers worldwide and is associated with adverse outcomes for mother and child. Prior research has established a relationship between concurrent sleep quality and PPD. We conducted a secondary analysis in 45 women with mood disorders to study overall sleep quality (and individual components of sleep), measured in the early postpartum period, as a predictor of subsequent PPD. We measured sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI; subscale and total scores) at 1 month postpartum (and during the third trimester). We measured depressive symptoms using the Inventory of Depressive Symptoms, Self-Report (IDS-SR) at 3 months postpartum. We used bivariate and multivariate linear regression models to study the association between PSQI and IDS scores. We found that higher global PSQI scores as well as higher component scores for self-reported sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, sleep medication usage, and daytime dysfunction, measured 1 month postpartum, were associated with increased IDS scores (at 3 months postpartum (P = .01, .01, .01, .003, < .001, respectively). We did not find an association between poor sleep quality in the third trimester and PPD. Poor sleep quality in the early postpartum period independently predicts development of later PPD. This is clinically significant and highlights the importance of sleep interventions as an immediate postpartum therapeutic tool. McEvoy KM, Rayapati D, Washington Cole KO, Erdly C, Payne JL, Osborne LM. Poor postpartum sleep quality predicts subsequent postpartum depressive symptoms in a high-risk sample. J Clin Sleep Med. 2019;15(9):1303-1310.

The relationship of postpartum sleep quality and breastfeeding self-efficacy of Turkish mothers.

Breastfeeding self-efficacy reflects the mother's confidence regarding breastfeeding, and it positively affects breastfeeding. Traditionally, people attach importance to breastfeeding in Turkey and the vast majority of mothers breastfeed their babies. It is a known fact that mothers feel sleepless and tired in the postpartum period reduces the amount of secreted milk. However, it is not known whether there is a relationship between the perception of breastfeeding self-efficacy which positively affects breastfeeding and sleep quality of the mothers in this period. This study was conducted in order to determine the relationship between sleep quality and breastfeeding self-efficacy of the mothers in the postpartum period. This descriptive study included 128 primiparous women who had vaginal deliveries from 2 January to 27 May 2018 in a public obstetrics and children's hospital in Mersin. The data of the research were gathered with a questionnaire intended for collecting the sociodemographic characteristics of mothers who completed their second week in the postpartum period, Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale intended for determining their sleep quality and Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Scale intended for determining their breastfeeding self-efficacy. The data obtained were assessed with the Pearson correlation coefficient to determine the relationship between the descriptive statistics and two continuous variables. The mean score gotten by the mothers from Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale and Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Scale was determined to be '33.57±11.26' and '46.82±14.89', respectively. A strong relationship in the negative direction was detected between the scores gotten from Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale and Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Scale (p<0.01). As a result of the research, it was determined that as the sleep quality of mothers in the postpartum period increases their breastfeeding self-efficacy increases as well. In the light of the results obtained, it is suggested that nurses, being aware that there is a strong relationship between sleep quality and breastfeeding self-efficacy in the postpartum period, should pay more attention to the role of education and counselling in these subjects. In addition, it is recommended that nurses make attempts intended for improving the sleep quality of primiparous individuals in order to increase their self-efficacy of breastfeeding.

Testing the Psychometric Properties of the Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale in Turkish Women.

Postpartum sleeplessness has been observed to be an important health problem in Turkey. However, no scale is currently available to evaluate quality of sleep in Turkish postpartum women. The aim of this study was to test the validity and reliability of the Turkish Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale (T-PSQS). The sample of this methodological study surveyed 100 women during their first 2 postpartum weeks. Data were obtained using a personal characteristics form and the PSQS. The PSQS is a 5-point scale ranging from 0 to 4. The validity of the PSQS was tested using content validity index and confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses, and the reliability of the scale was tested using Cronbach's alpha. The opinions of eight experts were canvassed to test the validity of the T-PSQS. The content validity index showed that the scale had high validity (.92). The factor analysis that was conducted to test the construct validity of the scale indicated that the scale was composed of three factors with eigenvalues over 1.00 and that the total Cronbach's alpha coefficient was .88. The Cronbach's alpha for the subscales "Infant night care-related daytime dysfunction," " Physical symptoms-related sleep inefficiency," and "Sleep quality or sleep" were .82, .86, and .80, respectively. Content validity, construct validity, and reliability analyses of the T-PSQS revealed that the scale may be used to measure postpartum sleeplessness levels and sleep quality in Turkish women.

Effectiveness of aerobic gymnastic exercise on stress, fatigue, and sleep quality during postpartum: A pilot randomized controlled trial

BackgroundGymnastics is a preferable safe exercise for postnatal women performing regularly. ObjectiveThe aim of this pilot randomized controlled trial was to determine whether the aerobic gymnastic exercise improves stress, fatigue, sleep quality and depression in postpartum women. DesignSingle-blinded, randomized controlled trial held from December 2014 until September 2015. Setting: Postnatal clinic of a medical center in southern Taiwan. Participants140 eligible postnatal women were systematically assigned, with a random start to experimental (n=70) or a control (n=70) group. InterventionsEngage in aerobic gymnastic exercise at least three times (15min per section) a week for three months using compact disc in the home. Outcome measuresPerceived Stress Scale, Postpartum Fatigue Scale, Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. ResultsIn a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures, the aerobic gymnastic exercise group showed significant decrease in fatigue after practicing exercise 4 weeks and the positive effects extended to the 12-week posttests. Paired t-tests revealed that aerobic gymnastic exercise participants had improved significantly in perceived stress and fatigue after 4 weeks gymnastic exercise; these positive effects extended to the 12-week posttests. In addition, the changes in physical symptoms-related sleep inefficiency after 12 weeks gymnastic exercise were significantly decreased in the experimental group compared with the control group. Relevance to clinical practiceThe findings can be used to encourage postnatal women to perform moderate-intensity gymnastic exercise in their daily life to reduce their stress, fatigue and improve sleep quality.

Effects of Lavender Tea on Fatigue, Depression, and Maternal-Infant Attachment in Sleep-Disturbed Postnatal Women.

Lavender inhalation aromatherapy is widely believed to impart a hypnotic effect, act as a mood stabilizer, and enhance the positive feelings of mothers toward their infants. However, research into these and other potential therapeutic effects of lavender tea has been limited. This study was conducted in Taiwan to evaluate the effectiveness of lavender tea in relieving sleep quality, fatigue, and depression; and in improving maternal-infant attachment during the early postpartum period. A total of 80 Taiwanese postnatal women with poor sleep quality (Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale; PSQS score ≥16) and with no history of allergy to herbal teas, foods, or medicines were assigned systematically to either the experimental group (n = 40) or the control group (n = 40). The participants in the experimental group were instructed to drink one cup of lavender tea after spending time to appreciate and smell the aroma each day for a period of 2 weeks, whereas their control group peers received regular postpartum care only. The PSQS, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Postpartum Fatigue Scale, and Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire were used to assess outcomes. ANCOVA analyses using education level and pretest scores as covariates showed that experimental group participants perceived less fatigue (F = 6.281, p = .014) and depression (F = 4.731, p = .033) and showed greater bonding with their infant (F = 4.022, p = .049) compared with the control group. However, the scores for all four instruments were similar for both groups at the 4-week posttest, suggesting that the positive effects of lavender tea were limited to the immediate term. Healthcare researchers assume accountability for integrating research results into clinical practice. The findings in this study can gain greater attention among healthcare practitioners and encourage the correct and positive use of herbal therapy in postpartum health care.