Changes in sleep patterns and depressive symptoms in first-time mothers: last trimester to 1-year postpartum.

Behav Sleep Med

Department of Psychology, College of the Holy Cross, One College Street, Worcester, MA 01610-2395, USA.

Published: February 2005

AI Article Synopsis

  • Thirty-eight first-time mothers were studied over different time periods during and after pregnancy to analyze sleep patterns and depression levels.
  • Significant changes in weekday sleep schedules were found at 2-4 weeks postpartum, with no notable differences in total sleep time or bedtime across all measurements.
  • Mothers experiencing higher depressive symptoms shortly after childbirth reported different sleep habits compared to those with fewer symptoms, indicating a relationship between sleep patterns and depression during this period.

Article Abstract

Thirty-eight 1st-time mothers were recruited from childbirth classes and were assessed at 4 different time periods: the last trimester of pregnancy, 2-4 weeks postpartum, 12-16 weeks postpartum, and 12-15 months postpartum. Measures included a daily sleep-wake diary and a depression scale (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, CES-D). Results reveal significant differences in week-day night sleep schedules (rise time, time awake due to disruptions, and nap time) at 2-4 weeks postpartum in comparison to other times of measurement. Total sleep time and bedtime was not significantly different between times of measurement. More depressive symptoms were reported at 2-4 weeks postpartum than at later postpartum measurements. Mothers who developed clinically elevated depressive symptoms (CES-D > or = 16) at 2-4 weeks postpartum reported more total sleep time, later rise times, and more time napping at the end of pregnancy in comparison to those mothers that reported fewer depressive symptoms (CES-D < 16) at 2-4 weeks postpartum.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1207/S15402010BSM0101_6DOI Listing

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