Although obtaining the sleep you need is difficult with a new baby in the house, it is vital to your physical and mental well-being to get as much sleep as possible.
According to a new study published in the journal Sleep, postpartum mood disturbance is affected more by a women believing she is sleeping poorly and being aware of the consequences associated with sleep deprivation than actual sleep quality and quantity.
Science Daily reports that results of the study show that sleep quality and quantity do decrease both objectively and subjectively after giving birth; however, women with worse subjective sleep were more likely to suffer from postpartum depression or emotional distress.
The longitudinal study was conducted in two stages and measured sleep and mood during the third trimester and one week after giving birth in 44 healthy women at low risk for developing postpartum depression. The average age of participants was 30 years, with a range from 18 to 41 years. Of the participants, 20 were first-time mothers (45.5 percent) and 24 mothers had multiple children (54.5 percent). The majority of participants (91 percent) were married or in a stable relationship.
Women who believed they were sleeping poorly at night during the third trimester and after delivery were more likely to experience worse postpartum mood. The study was not able to determine if it was poor sleep that caused emotional problems or if emotional problems led to sleep complaints.
Sleep Deprivation is problematic at any time; however, if you are not getting the sleep you need after giving birth the consequences could be severe for both you and your child. A lack of sleep can lead to both physical and mental disturbances, including a compromised immunity system, irritability and decreased cognitive functioning.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) states that a woman’s sleep is disturbed by labor, and sleep problems can continue after birth. The AASM recommends that during and after pregnancy, women take naps to supplement for lost sleep, create a regular sleep schedule and try to fit a morning walk in with the baby to regulate your circadian rhythm.
