Antenatal depression: an artefact of sleep disturbance?

The predictive effect of mid-pregnancy sleep disorders on perinatal depression within women with or without depression in early pregnancy: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

To investigate the relationship between depression in early pregnancy and sleep quality in mid-pregnancy, and explore whether sleep disorders independently predicts depression across the perinatal period within women with or without depression in early pregnancy.

METHODS

Data were collected at 7 time points from 12 weeks of pregnancy to 6 weeks postpartum. Multiple logistic regression and survival analysis were used to explore the relationship between sleep quality in mid-pregnancy and perinatal depression within women with or without depression in early pregnancy.

RESULTS

390 women were included. Women with depression in early pregnancy were more likely to have sleep disorders and perinatal depression. Women with sleep disorders had a higher risk of perinatal depression compared to women without sleep disorders in mid-pregnancy. Stratified analysis based on whether depressed at 12 weeks of pregnancy found that among women without depression, those with sleep disorders in mid-pregnancy were more likely to have subsequent perinatal depression and appeared earlier; whereas, among women with depression, mid-pregnancy sleep disorders was not a predictor of subsequent perinatal depression.

LIMITATION

High rates of missed visits may lead to sample bias, with depression and sleep quality being assessed by self-report.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with depression in early pregnancy are more likely to have sleep disorders in mid-pregnancy. There is a strong correlation between sleep quality in mid-pregnancy and perinatal depression among women without depression in early pregnancy. Routine screening and intervention for sleep disorders should be a priority in perinatal care to reduce the incidence of perinatal depression.

Sleep quality and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care unit at Gondar, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of poor sleep quality among pregnant women in Ethiopia.

METHOD

Institutional based cross-sectional study.

SETTING

University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 415 pregnant women were recruited by using a systematic random sampling technique from 28 April 2020 to 12 June 2020.

MEASUREMENT

The desired data were collected through face-to-face interview technique by using validated questionnaires such as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Oslo-3 and Abuse Assessment Screen. The data were analysed by using SPSS V.20. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated factors with poor sleep quality. Variables having a p value of less than 0.2 in the bivariate analysis were entered to the multivariable logistic regression. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant, at 95% CI.

RESULT

In this study, 175 (42.2%) pregnant women had poor sleep quality. According to multivariable logistic regression, being first and third trimesters of gestational age (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.31, 95% CI 1.16 to 4.61 and aOR 3.45, 95% CI 2.05 to 5.79, respectively), consumption of caffeinated substances (aOR 2.96, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.52), having depression (aOR 2.12, 95% CI 1.19 to 3.76), having high perceived stress (aOR 5.39, 95% CI 1.96 to 14.79) and experience of intimate partner violence (aOR 5.57, 95% CI 2.19 to 14.68) were positive significant associated factors with poor sleep quality.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The prevalence of poor sleep quality among pregnant women was relatively high. First and third trimesters, consumption of caffeinated substances, antenatal depression, high perceived stress and intimate partner violence were factors significantly associated with poor sleep quality. This result suggests that all pregnant women should be screened and treated for poor sleep quality during the first and third trimesters.

Short sleep duration and risk of gestational diabetes

ObjectiveSleep disturbances and short sleep duration are common in pregnancy and might contribute to the development of hyperglycemia. Therefore, we evaluated the association of sleep disturbances and gestational diabetes (GDM) in a cohort of women.MethodsWe collected data of 386 women consecutively screened for GDM in 2019 by 75 gr OGTT, according with IDPSG criteria. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire was used to assess self-reported poor sleep quality (PSQI score >5) and short nocturnal sleep duration (<6 h).ResultsOf 386 women, 148 (38.3%) had poor sleep quality and 87 (22.5%) short sleep duration. GDM prevalence was 26.9%. There was no difference in GDM prevalence between women with poor or good sleep quality (26% vs. 28%; n.s.), while GDM was more frequent in women with short sleep duration (35.6% vs. 24.4%; p = 0.038). On univariate logistic regression analysis, short sleep duration (OR 1.71; 95%CI: 1.03-2.86; p = 0.039), previous GDM (OR 3.52; 95%CI: 1.83-6.76; p < 0.0001), family history of diabetes (OR 1.96; 95%CI: 1.21-3.91; p = 0.007), pre-pregnancy overweight (OR 1.85; 95%CI: 1.06-3.23; p = 0.031) or obesity (OR 2.56; 95%CI: 1.40-4.70; p = 0.002) were associated to GDM. However, after adjustment for confounders, short sleep duration did not persist as an independent risk factor for GDM (OR: 1.55; 95%CI: 0.91-2.65; ns).ConclusionsSleep disturbances are relative common among pregnant women. Although GDM seems more common among women with short sleep duration, this sleep disturbance does not seem to be an independent risk factor for GDM in women at high risk.

Non-pharmacological Interventions for Improving Sleep Quality During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

 To investigate the effect of non-pharmacological interventions to improve sleep quality during pregnancy.

DATA SOURCES

 A search was made in the NCBI/PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, BVS, and Web of Science databases. There were no limitations regarding language, sample size, and type of non-pharmacological intervention. We have included prospective clinical trials between July 2014 and July 2019.

SELECTION OF STUDIES

 This study was registered in the Prospective International Registration of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database was performed. Publication bias was also assessed with funnel plots. the primary outcome was the total score in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before and after intervention. Risk of bias and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria were used for assessing methodological quality. From the 28 retrieved studies, we have selected 8 for qualitative analysis and 6 for meta-analysis.

DATA COLLECTION

 Two independent reviewers performed the study selection. In the case of disagreement, a third senior reviewer was consulted. The study was initially assessed based on the title, followed by abstract. Lastly, the full text was assessed to be included.

DATA SYNTHESIS

 A significant improvement on the sleep quality (PSQI score) was observed when all interventions were grouped (MD = -3.03, 95%CI -4.15 to -1.92, n = 623, i² = 84%, p < 0.001). Analysis by subgroup (music listening: MD = -1.96, 95% CI -3.27 to -0.65, n = 207, i² = 67%, p = 0.003 and other interventions: MD = -3.66, 95% CI -4.93 to -2.40, n = 416, i2 = 80%, p < 0.001) showed an improvement, with high heterogeneity. Risk of bias has shown performance and detection bias for almost studies, and GRADE evidence was very low for all analyzed variables.

CONCLUSION

 Non-pharmacological interventions-listening to music, physical exercise, relaxation exercises, lettuce seed, sleep hygiene, and acupressure-are effective for improving sleep quality during pregnancy.

Association between depressive symptoms and poor sleep quality among pregnant women in Northern Rural Bangladesh: a community-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Adequate good quality of sleep is essential for physical fitness during pregnancy as well as being a depressive symptoms-free mind. However, there is little evidence of the relationship between depressive symptoms and poor sleep quality among pregnant women in Bangladesh. This study aimed to find the association between depressive symptoms and poor sleep quality among pregnant women in northern rural Bangladesh.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from May 2021 to June 2021 among 481 pregnant women tested positive in the pregnancy test of Jaldhaka and Dimla Upazila of Nilphamari district, Rangpur Division. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire including socio-demographic conditions, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms, comprising the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Patient Health Questionnaire- 9 (PHQ-9).

RESULTS

8.94% of the women had depressive symptoms, whereas 38.88% of the participants were bad sleepers. However, women who had depressive symptoms [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.55; 95% CI 1.33-4.9] and educational qualifications above 10 years [AOR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.39-0.92] were associated with poor sleep quality.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher percentage of pregnant women had poor sleep quality, whereas depressive symptoms and academic background of the participants were significantly associated with poor sleep quality. Ensuring adequate sleep time and better quality could be helpful to prevent depressive symptoms.

A Prospective Study of the Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Depression in Pregnancy

Objective

Poor sleep and depression are common problems during pregnancy, but there has been little investigation into the association between them. This prospective study aims to examine the relationship between sleep quality and depression during pregnancy.

Methods

Pregnant women under 14 weeks’ gestation attending routine outpatient antenatal care in Singapore’s largest maternity hospital were recruited between 2012 and 2014. Women with multiple pregnancies and deemed at high risk of miscarriage were excluded. Six hundred and forty participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at the three trimesters during pregnancy.

Results

Mean PSQI score was highest in the third visit, suggesting poorer quality sleep in the late third trimester compared to other trimesters. 15.6% of participants at each time point fulfilled the criteria for antenatal depression according to the EPDS cut-off score > 14. PSQI scores were significantly correlated with EPDS scores, and also prospectively predicted EPDS scores in all three trimesters.

Conclusion

Sleep quality in Singaporean pregnant women was poorest in the third trimester, and was associated with the development of depressive symptoms. With more than 1 in 10 women having antenatal depression, interventions targeting sleep quality might be particularly beneficial.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Depression and Subjective Sleep Quality in the First Trimester of Pregnancy Among Migrant Workers in Thailand

Introduction

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) influences neurodevelopment during pregnancy. Maternal sleep quality and depression are suggested to influence BDNF levels. The objective of this study was to assess the association between depression, sleep quality, and BDNF levels among Myanmar migrant pregnancies.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Krathum Baen Hospital, Samut Sakhon province, from June to October 2018. A total of 108 first-trimester women were recruited into our study. Maternal blood was collected to analyze BDNF. Depression levels were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) instrument. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire was applied to evaluate subjective sleep quality. Because BDNF was skewed, binary logistic regression was analyzed.

Results

We found that 28.7% of pregnant women reported poor sleep quality, and 33.4% were classified as having mild to moderate depression. After adjusting for covariate variables, pregnant women with depression had higher BDNF levels than those without depression (OR = 2.972, 95% CI = [1.111, 7.949], p = 0.030). Pregnant women with poor sleep quality had lower BDNF levels than those who had good sleep quality (OR = 0.359, 95% CI = [0.132, 0.972], p = 0.044).

Discussion

The results suggested that BDNF might be an alternative tool to assess sleep quality in pregnant women.

Sleep HAPi: A Feasibility and Descriptive Analysis of an Early and Longitudinal Sleep Education Intervention for Pregnant Women

Background: Poor sleep and prior depression are key predictors of perinatal depression, with research suggesting depressive symptoms may emerge in early pregnancy. Sleep is a potentially modifiable risk factor for depression. This pilot study examined the feasibility and acceptability of a six-month sleep education intervention designed to optimize sleep and minimize depressive symptoms throughout pregnancy. Sleep measures and depressive symptoms are described from 12 weeks gestation to 12 weeks postpartum.Participants: A community sample of nulliparous pregnant women with a history of depression were recruited prior to 14 weeks gestation.Methods: An individualized sleep education program was developed and participants engaged in three trimester specific sleep education sessions. Feasibility and acceptability were determined via recruitment and retention rates and participant feedback. Depressive symptoms and sleep were measured at five time points throughout the study.Results: 22 women enrolled in the study and 15 completed the intervention. Participants reported the intervention as highly acceptable. There was minimal change in all dimensions of sleep across pregnancy, but sleep measures were significantly worse at six weeks postpartum and improved by 12 weeks postpartum. Depressive symptoms were significantly lower at the conclusion of the intervention and 12 weeks postpartum compared to trimester 1.Conclusions: This sleep education program appears feasible, acceptable and may be effective in minimizing depressive symptoms in pregnant women with a history of depression. Trials with larger and more diverse samples are warranted and further studies to ascertain efficacy should be undertaken with a control group.

Associations between prenatal sleep and psychological health: a systematic review

STUDY OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aimed to examine the: (1) strength of associations between prenatal sleep (ie, duration, quality, and insomnia) and psychological health (ie, depression, anxiety, and stress); and (2) moderating influence of sociodemographic characteristics (ie, maternal age, gestational age/trimester, parity, marital and socioeconomic status [SES]), body mass index (BMI), and meeting sleep recommendations.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and CINHAL to identify studies with at least one sleep measure and a psychological health outcome. Effect sizes (ES) were calculated by associations between individual components of sleep and psychological health (eg, sleep quality-depression).

RESULTS

Reviewed studies (n = 32) included 14,648 participants and yielded 219 ES. ES for anxiety/stress were combined due to insufficient data to analyze individually. Average strengths of associations for sleep duration-depression (ES = .52) and sleep duration-anxiety/stress (ES = .48), sleep quality-depression (ES = .55) and sleep quality-anxiety/stress (ES = .58), and insomnia-depression (ES = .67) ranged from medium to large. Marital status, parity, BMI, and meeting sleep recommendations moderated sleep duration-depression and sleep duration-anxiety/stress. SES, gestational age/trimester, parity, and BMI moderated sleep quality-depression and sleep quality-anxiety/stress associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor sleep quality and depression are prevalent during pregnancy and may negatively impact maternal and fetal outcomes. Moderating effects suggest that pregnant women of different BMI status and gestational age differ in their sleep habits and depression and anxiety/stress levels. Findings highlight the need to better understand the impact of these associations on maternal-fetal outcomes to inform interventions to improve sleep and psychological health.

Sleep Disordered Breathing Measures in Early Pregnancy Are Associated with Depressive Symptoms in Late Pregnancy

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and depression are both common complications of pregnancy and increase risk for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. SDB precedes onset of depression in non-pregnant adults; however, the longitudinal relationship has not been studied in pregnancy. The present research examined temporal associations between SDB and depressive symptoms in 175 pregnant women at risk for SDB (based on frequent snoring and obesity), but without an apnea hypopnea index of ≥5 events per hour at enrollment. Women completed a self-report assessments of depressive symptoms using PHQ-9 and in-home level III sleep apnea monitoring at approximately 12- and 32-weeks' gestation. We also assessed the risk for SDB using the Berlin Questionnaire in early pregnancy. Results revealed that measures of SDB in early pregnancy as assessed by in-home sleep study, but not by self-reported SDB, predicted elevated depressive symptoms in late pregnancy. SDB in late pregnancy was not associated with depressive symptoms. To conclude, these findings suggest that SDB may increase the risk for elevated depressive symptoms as pregnancy progresses.

Trajectories of Insomnia Symptoms and Associations with Mood and Anxiety from Early Pregnancy to the Postpartum

Objective/Background: The current study identified heterogeneous trajectories of insomnia symptoms from early pregnancy to early postpartum. The relationship between demographic and psychological predictors of trajectories and associations between trajectory group membership and symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety were also explored.Participants: 142 pregnant women were enrolled in a prospective online survey.Method: Women were recruited from a maternity clinic in Calgary, AB and completed measures of insomnia symptoms, depression, generalized anxiety, and interpersonal support at four time-points. Women were recruited and completed the first survey before 20 weeks gestation and were reassessed every 10 weeks. Women were on average 15 weeks gestation, 25 weeks gestation, 35 weeks gestation, and 6 weeks postpartum at the respective time-points. Group-based trajectory analysis was used to determine trajectories of pregnancy insomnia symptoms.Results: Three trajectory groups were identified. A no insomnia group (42.3%) in which women reported consistently low insomnia symptoms. A subclinical insomnia group (44.3%) in which women reported subclinical symptoms which briefly elevated to clinical levels in late-pregnancy, and a clinical insomnia group (13.4%) in which women reported consistently elevated insomnia symptoms. Baseline predictors of membership group included anxiety, depression, and ethnicity such that members of the clinical insomnia group were more likely to also endorse anxiety and depression. Membership in the clinical insomnia group was associated with higher postpartum generalized anxiety and depressive symptoms. Additionally, the clinical insomnia group were more likely to experience symptoms indicative of clinically significant depression.Conclusions: A small group of pregnant women experienced consistently high and elevated insomnia symptoms throughout pregnancy and another larger group endorsed consistently elevated but subthreshold symptoms. Future studies should explore long-term consequences of experiencing high insomnia symptomatology during pregnancy and early postpartum, as well as safe and efficacious interventions.

Poor Sleep and Decision-Making Disturbance Are Associated With Suicidal Ideation in Pre-natal Depression

Although many risk factors for suicidal ideation have been identified, few studies have focused on suicidal ideation and pre-natal depression. The purpose was to investigate the relationship between decision-making (DM) dysfunction and sleep disturbance on suicidal ideation in pre-natal depression. Participants included 100 women in the third trimester of pregnancy, including pregnant women with pre-natal depression who had recent suicidal ideation (n = 30), pre-natal depression without SI (n = 35) and healthy controls (n = 35). The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) was used to evaluate the DM function and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess the sleep index. The Edinburgh Post-natal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess suicidal ideation and the seriousness of depression. Overall, the two groups with pre-natal depression showed worse sleep quality and decreased DM function compared with healthy controls. The pre-natal depression with suicidal ideation group showed a significantly higher score in subjective sleep quality and a lower score in block 5 of IGT than the pre-natal depression without suicidal ideation group. Further correlation analysis showed that suicidal ideation positively correlated with subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, and daytime function, and negatively correlated with IGT scores. Sleep disturbance and impaired DM function may be risk factors for suicidal ideation in pre-natal depression.

Estimating the cumulative risk of postnatal depressive symptoms: the role of insomnia symptoms across pregnancy

PURPOSE

Insomnia symptoms during late pregnancy are a known risk for postnatal depressive symptoms (PDS). However, the cumulative effect of various risk factors throughout pregnancy has not been explored. Our aim was to test how various insomnia symptoms (sleep latency, duration, quality, frequent night awakenings, early morning awakenings) and other risk factors (e.g., history of depression, symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as sociodemographic factors) in early, mid-, and late pregnancy predict PDS.

METHODS

Using data from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study and logistic regression analyses, we investigated the associations of distinct insomnia symptoms at gw 14, 24, and 34 with depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score ≥ 11) 3 months postnatally. We also calculated separate and combined predictive models of PDS for each pregnancy time point and reported the odds ratios for each risk group.

RESULTS

Of the 2224 women included in the study, 7.1% scored EPDS ≥ 11 3 months postnatally. Our predictive models indicated that sleep latency of ≥ 20 min, anxiety in early pregnancy, and insufficient sleep during late pregnancy predicted the risk of PDS. Furthermore, we found highly elevated odds ratios in early, mid-, and late pregnancy for women with multiple PDS risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Screening of long sleep latency and anxiety during early pregnancy, in addition to depression screening, could be advisable. Odds ratios of risk factor combinations demonstrate the magnitude of cumulating risk of PDS when multiple risk factors are present.

Antenatal depression symptoms in Pacific women: evidence from Growing Up in New Zealand

INTRODUCTION Pacific women in New Zealand (NZ) have higher rates of antenatal depression than women from other ethnic groups. AIM To identify factors that are significantly associated with depression symptoms in pregnant Pacific women living in NZ. METHODS Data were collected from 5657 pregnant women, 727 of whom identified their ethnicity as Pacific Island. Antenatal depression symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Depression Scale with scores above 12 indicating elevated antenatal depression symptoms (ADS). RESULTS Pacific women had significantly higher rates of ADS than non-Pacific women, with 23% of pregnant Pacific women experiencing ADS. Factors associated with ADS for Pacific women included age <25 years, moderate to severe nausea during pregnancy, perceived stress, family stress and relationship conflict. Not seeing the importance of maintaining one's Pacific culture and traditions and negative feelings towards NZ culture were also significantly associated with ADS in Pacific women. One in three Pacific women aged <25 years experienced ADS. Pregnant Pacific women without a family general practitioner (GP) before their pregnancy were 4.5-fold more likely to experience ADS than non-Pacific women with a regular GP. DISCUSSION Further attention is required to providing appropriate primary health care for Pacific women of child-bearing age in NZ. Better screening processes and a greater understanding of effective antenatal support for Pacific women is recommended to respond to the multiple risk factors for antenatal depression among Pacific women.

Relationship between sleep characteristics and depressive symptoms in last trimester of pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Sleep problems during pregnancy may cause many complications that reduce quality of life.

AIM

This study aims to determine the relationship between pregnant women's sleep characteristics and depressive symptoms.

METHODS

A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted. Pregnant women were selected from the population by using the an improbable random sampling method. This study sample included 436 pregnant women who met the study's inclusion criteria. To collect data, this study used an information form that was developed by the researcher after reviewing relevant literature, the Women's Health Initiative Insomnia Rating Scale (WHIIRS), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The researchers used face-to-face interviews method to collect data from the participants, pregnant women who were examined in the polyclinic.

RESULTS

This study found that 36% of participating pregnant women reported insomnia, and 38.1% experienced depressive symptoms. It also determined that participants who had problems with insomnia, who experienced a change in sleep habits, and who did not wake up feeling rested experienced depressive symptoms 1.64, 2.79, and 2.59 times more than those who didn't have these problems, respectively. who experienced a decrease in sleep, who experienced an increase in sleep, and who did not wake up feeling rested experienced depressive symptoms 1.61, 3.22, 3.53, and 2.59 times more, respectively, than those who did not have insomnia, who did not experience a change in sleep habits in pregnancy, and who woke up feeling rested, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study determined that there is a relationship between insomnia and depressive symptoms and that pregnant women experiencing insomnia presented with more depressive symptoms.

Interventions for sleep problems during pregnancy: A systematic review

Sleep problems during pregnancy are prevalent and could be linked to negative outcomes during pregnancy or post-partum. However, these complaints are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. This review aimed to systematically assess the effectiveness of different interventions to ameliorate poor sleep quality and insomnia during pregnancy. Pubmed, PsycINFO and Medline databases were systematically searched without publication period restriction until 3rd May 2019. Eligible studies had to: include pregnant women of any age and gestational age; use clinical intervention designs targeted at improving sleep outcome; report pre- and post-treatment data for one or more sleep-related outcomes; be published in English, Italian, German, Spanish, or French. Sixteen studies were selected including 1252 expecting mothers. Studies evaluated the efficacy of various interventions: cognitive behavioral interventions for insomnia (4); pharmacotherapy (1); acupuncture (1); mindfulness and yoga (3); relaxation (5) and herbal medication (2). Only six were randomized controlled trials, and only four evaluated longitudinal outcomes. Preliminary support was found for all interventions, but our knowledge is still too limited by lack of evidence. There is an utmost urgency to perform high-quality randomized controlled trials for insomnia interventions during pregnancy and to implement effective programs in standard gynecological care.

Poor sleep quality is associated with perinatal depression. A systematic review of last decade scientific literature and meta-analysis

Background Although pregnancy is frequently associated with mental states of happiness, hope and well-being, some physical and psychological changes can contribute to increased sleep disturbances and worsened sleep quality. Sleep quality has been linked to negative emotions, anxiety and depression. The main objective of this paper was to systematically review the impact of sleep during pregnancy on maternal mood, studying the association between objective and subjective measures of sleep quality and perinatal depression. Methods We performed a systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, which included studies published between January 2008 and April 2019, and met the following criteria: (i) studies on pregnant women assessing the effects of sleep quality variables on perinatal mood disorders, (ii) studies published in English and (iii) full paper published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal with full-text format available. Results A total of 36 studies published in the last decade met the inclusion criteria for qualitative review and eight of them were suitable for meta-analysis. Both confirmed the negative effects of poor sleep on perinatal mood. However, qualitative analysis showed that unrepresentative samples and low participation rates falling below 80% biased some of the studies. The standard random-effects meta-analysis showed a pooled size effect [ln odds ratio (OR) 1.49 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19, 1.79)] for perinatal depression in cases of poor prenatal sleep quality, although heterogeneity was moderate to high [Q 16.05, P ≤ 0.025, H2 2.45 (95% CI 1.01, 13.70)]. Conclusion Poor sleep quality was associated with perinatal mood disturbances. The assessment of sleep quality along the pregnancy could be advisable with a view to offering preventative or therapeutic interventions when necessary.

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

STUDY OBJECTIVES

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.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSIONS

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.

CITATION

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.

Maternal antenatal daytime sleepiness and child neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive development

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of sleep problems among pregnant women is over 50%, and daytime sleepiness is among the most common sleep problems. Previous studies have associated antenatal sleep problems with adverse maternal health and neonatal outcomes, but the consequences of antenatal sleep problems and particularly daytime sleepiness on child psychological development have not been assessed prospectively.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study including 111 mother-child dyads, we examined the associations of maternal daytime sleepiness during pregnancy, assessed at 17 and 28 weeks of gestation using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, with child neuropsychiatric problems and neuropsychological development, assessed with mother-rated questionnaires and individually administered neuropsychological tests, at child age 2.6-5.7 years (mean = 4.3 years).

RESULTS

Independently of sociodemographic and perinatal covariates and maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms during and/or after pregnancy, maternal antenatal daytime sleepiness was associated with increased total [unstandardized regression coefficient (B) = 0.25 standard deviation (s.d.) units; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01-0.48] and internalizing (B = 0.25 s.d.s: 95% CI 0.01-0.49) psychiatric problems and ADHD symptoms (B = 0.27 s.d.s: 95% CI 0.04-0.50) in children, and with poorer executive function, particularly in the areas of attention, working memory and inhibitory control (B = -0.39 s.d.s: 95% CI -0.69 to -0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal antenatal daytime sleepiness carries adverse consequences for offspring psychological development. The assessment of sleep problems may be an important addition to standard antenatal care.

[Sleep disorders as one of the indicators of postpartum depression]

Postpartum depression in ICD-10 refers to mild mental and behavioral disorders associated with physiological disorders of the postpartum period F53.0. Diagnosis is based on criteria, one of which is sleep disorders. The objective of the review is to characterize the postpartum sleep disorders and to reflect their predictor value in the development of postpartum depression. Presomnic, intrasomnic and postsomnic disorders with negative consequences for both the mother and her child were found in sleep disorders of women with postpartum depression. Depression with sleep disorders significantly affect the quality of life of the mother and infant. Sleep disorders are one of the predictors of postpartum depression. Improving of sleep quality is an effective way to prevent the effects of postpartum depression.

Prenatal stress and the development of psychopathology: Lifestyle behaviors as a fundamental part of the puzzle

Maternal psychological stress, depression, and anxiety during pregnancy (prenatal stress; PNS) are thought to impact fetal development with long-term effects on offspring outcome. These effects would include physical and mental health, including psychopathology. Maternal sleep, diet, and exercise during pregnancy are lifestyle behaviors that are understudied and often solely included in PNS studies as confounders. However, there are indications that these lifestyle behaviors may actually constitute essential mediators between PNS and fetal programming processes. The goal of this theoretical review was to investigate this idea by looking at the evidence for associations between PNS and sleep, diet, and exercise, and by piecing together the information on potential underlying mechanisms and causal pathways through which these factors may affect the offspring. The analysis of the literature led to the conclusion that sleep, diet, and exercise during pregnancy, may have fundamental roles as mediators between PNS and maternal pregnancy physiology. By integrating these lifestyle behaviors into models of prenatal programming of development, a qualitatively higher and more comprehensive understanding of the prenatal origins of psychopathology can be obtained. The review finalizes by discussing some of the present challenges facing the field of PNS and offspring programming, and offering solutions for future research.

Relation of plasma tryptophan concentrations during pregnancy to maternal sleep and mental well-being: The GUSTO cohort

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests a relation between plasma tryptophan concentrations and sleep and mental well-being. As no studies have been performed in pregnant women, we studied the relation of plasma tryptophan concentrations during pregnancy with sleep quality, and mood during and after pregnancy.

METHODS

Pregnant women (n = 572) from the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes study completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at 26-28 weeks gestation and three months post-delivery. Plasma tryptophan concentrations were measured at 26-28 weeks gestation. Poisson regressions estimated prevalence ratios (PR) for the association between tryptophan and poor sleep quality (PSQI global score > 5), probable antenatal depression (EPDS ≥ 15) and probable anxiety (STAI-state ≥ 41) were calculated adjusting for covariates.

RESULTS

Mean plasma tryptophan concentrations was 48.0µmol/L (SD: 8.09). Higher plasma tryptophan concentrations were associated with a lower prevalence of antenatal poor sleep quality adjusting for covariates [PR: 0.88 (95% CI 0.80, 0.97) per 10µmol/L], especially in those participants who also suffered from anxiety symptoms [PR: 0.80 (95% CI 0.67, 0.95)]. No associations were observed between tryptophan concentrations during pregnancy and postnatal sleep quality or mental well-being.

LIMITATION

Subjective measures were used to assess sleep and mental well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed that higher plasma tryptophan concentrations were associated with a 12% lower prevalence of poor sleep quality during pregnancy, in particular among those with anxiety symptoms. These findings suggest the importance of having adequate tryptophan concentrations during pregnancy.

Pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index and Third-Trimester Depressive Symptoms in a Healthy Privately Insured Sample

Objectives  While being overweight (body mass index [BMI] >25) prior to pregnancy is linked to antenatal depression, whether weight is confounded by socioeconomic and/or medical risks is unclear. Study Design  We assessed 66 healthy privately insured pregnant women at M = 35.0 ± 3.3 weeks for symptoms of depression (Inventory for Depressive Symptoms-Self-Report (IDS-SR 30), lifetime history of depression and other psychiatric conditions (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview), and pre-pregnancy BMI derived from pre-pregnancy weight (by recall) and directly measured height. Pre-pregnancy overweight (BMI > 25) and antenatal depression (score of mild or greater [14] on the IDS-SR 30) were assessed using logistic regression, controlling for past major depressive disorder (MDD) and demographic factors showing significant between group differences. Results  Pre-pregnancy overweight ( n  = 17; 25.8%) was associated with an increased risk of third trimester depression, independent of past MDD and marital status (odds ratio = 7.47; 95% confidence interval [2.09-26.68]; B (standard error) = 2.010 [0.650]). Conclusion  Replication in a larger sample is suggested to confirm an independent effect of pregravid overweight on third trimester depression.

Sleep quality during pregnancy: A meta-analysis

Women's sleep quality has been reported to change during pregnancy; prevalence estimates of poor sleep quality during pregnancy vary widely. To further understand the observed variation of findings, we conducted a meta-analysis to quantify the prevalence of poor sleep quality during pregnancy. Articles (N = 24) that reported prevalence of poor sleep quality as captured by the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) ≥ 5 were included, with a total of 11,002 participants contributing data. PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched. Results indicated that the average PSQI score during pregnancy was 6.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) [5.30, 6.85], and 45.7%, 95% CI [36.5%, 55.2%], of pregnant women experienced poor sleep quality. Longitudinal studies indicated that sleep quality decreased from second (M = 5.31, SE = 0.40) to third trimester (M = 7.03, SE = 0.85) by 1.68 points, 95% CI [0.42, 2.94]. Gestational age moderated the average PSQI scores and prevalence of PSQI scores ≥5; older samples reported higher mean PSQI scores and higher prevalence of poor sleep quality. Clinicians should be aware that some reduction in sleep quality is expected during pregnancy, but complaints of very poor sleep quality could require intervention. Future research should examine various factors underlying poor sleep quality during pregnancy.

Paternal Depression Symptoms During Pregnancy and After Childbirth Among Participants in the Growing Up in New Zealand Study

IMPORTANCE

Antenatal and postnatal depression are known to be common and associated with poor outcomes for women and their children. There is little evidence on depression symptoms among men during the perinatal period.

OBJECTIVE

To identify characteristics associated with depression symptoms among men whose partners were pregnant and subsequently gave birth.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A longitudinal cohort study provided data from a demographically diverse sample of 3523 New Zealand men who completed interviews during their partner's pregnancy and 9 months after the birth of their child. Participants were drawn from a cohort whose partners were pregnant women with a due date between April 25, 2009, and March 25, 2010, who were enrolled in the Growing Up in New Zealand study. Data analysis was conducted from September 1, 2015, to January 8, 2016.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Depression symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire; elevated depression symptoms were defined as scores higher than 12 and 9, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) age of the participants at the antenatal interview was 33.20 (6.25) years (range, 16-63 years). Elevated antenatal paternal depression symptoms affected 82 fathers (2.3%) and were associated with perceived stress (odds ratio [OR], 1.38; 95% CI, 1.30-1.47) and fair to poor health during their partner's pregnancy (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.18-3.61). Elevated postnatal paternal depression symptoms affected 153 (4.3%) of fathers and were associated with perceived stress in pregnancy (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.08-1.17), no longer being in a relationship with the mother 9 months after childbirth (OR, 6.36; 95% CI, 2.28-17.78), having fair to poor health at 9 months (OR, 3.29; 95% CI, 2.10-5.16), being unemployed at 9 months (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.11-3.10), and a history of depression (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.69-4.78).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Expectant fathers were at risk of depression symptoms if they felt stressed or were in poor health. Rates of elevated depression symptoms were higher during the postpartum period and were associated with adverse social and relationship factors. Identifying fathers most at risk of depressive symptoms and when best to target interventions (antenatal or postnatal) may be beneficial to men and their families.

Postpartum depressive symptoms and its association to daytime sleepiness and restless legs during pregnancy

Background

Postpartum depression is a common condition, which consequences might be harmful for both mother and child. Since sleep and depression are closely related it is possible that women who suffer from sleep related problems during pregnancy are more likely to develop depression in the postpartum period. This study aims to investigate the possible association between depressive symptoms in the postpartum period and sleep related problems during pregnancy.

Methods

In this study 293 women in the last trimester of pregnancy answered a questionnaire about symptoms of restless legs, snoring and daytime sleepiness. They also completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). The same women were screened for depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) four to ten weeks after giving birth. Additional information about social data, pregnancy and delivery was received from the medical charts.

Results

Women with postpartum depressive symptoms had higher prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness defined as ESS score ≥10 (OR 3.84, CI 1.57–9.39), and restless legs syndrome (OR 2.837 CI 1.18–6.84) in last trimester of pregnancy, when adjusted for socio-demographic factors and obstetric risk factors. No association was found between postpartum depressive symptoms and snoring.

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms after childbirth are preceded by sleep related problems such as daytime sleepiness and restless legs, already during pregnancy. The results from Epworth Sleepiness Scale and a questionnaire concerning Restless Legs Syndrome completed during pregnancy might be a valuable contribution for detecting women at risk for postpartum depression, enabling preventive interventions.

Stress, sleep, depression and dietary intakes among low-income overweight and obese pregnant women

This study investigated the mediating roles of sleep and depression on the relationships between stress, fat intake, and fruit and vegetable intake among low-income overweight and obese pregnant women by trimesters. Participants (N = 213) completed a self-administered survey including stress (exogenous variable), depression, sleep (mediators), fat intake, and fruit and vegetable intake (endogenous variables). Path analysis was performed to compare mediation effects among pregnant women in each trimester. Consistently across three trimesters, stress was related to depression but not sleep duration, night time sleep disturbance, sleep quality, sleep latency or fat intake. Sleep duration was not associated with depression. Depending on trimester, night time sleep disturbance, sleep quality, and sleep latency were related to depression; night time sleep disturbance and depression affected fat intake; stress influenced fruit and vegetable intake. Sleep duration, sleep disturbance, sleep quality, sleep latency and depression did not mediate the relationships between stress, fat intake, and fruit and vegetable intake in the second and third trimesters. However, depression mediated the relationship between stress and fat intake in the first trimester. Stress management interventions may help low-income overweight and obese pregnant women decrease depressive symptoms and therefore contribute to overall nutritional health.

Mild Depressive Symptoms During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy Are Associated with Disruptions in Daily Rhythms but Not Subjective Sleep Quality

BACKGROUND

Recent research in major depressive disorder suggests that dysregulation of the circadian system may be a core pathophysiological component. In pregnancy, women often experience significant disruptions in their daily rhythms, including changes in day-to-day schedule and sleep habits. Current evidence suggests that these disruptions in daily rhythms may adversely affect underlying circadian rhythmicity. The purpose of our study was to examine whether subjectively rated daily rhythm disruptions were associated with a greater incidence of depressive symptoms during the third trimester.

METHOD

Our study was a cross-sectional design, assessing sleep quality, symptoms of depression, and daily rhythm disruptions in 51 pregnant women in their third trimester.

RESULTS

We observed a significant relationship between mild depressive symptoms and disruptions in daily rhythms. While we initially observed a strong correlation between subjective sleep quality and depressive symptoms, this was attenuated after accounting for daily rhythm disruptions. Disruptions in daily social rhythms, eating patterns, and general activity were all significantly associated with depressive symptomatology.

CONCLUSION

Our findings point to a strong correlation between daily rhythm disruptions and prenatal depressive symptoms. Given that these daily rhythms are known to act as zeitgebers, longitudinal studies examining the directionality of this relationship between circadian rhythms and depressive symptoms during pregnancy are warranted.

Association of poor subjective sleep quality with suicidal ideation among pregnant Peruvian women

OBJECTIVE

To examine the independent and joint relationships of poor subjective sleep quality and antepartum depression with suicidal ideation among pregnant women.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 641 pregnant women attending prenatal care clinics in Lima, Peru. Antepartum depression and suicidal ideation were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scale. Antepartum subjective sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Logistic regression procedures were performed to estimate odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) adjusted for confounders.

RESULTS

Overall, the prevalence of suicidal ideation in this cohort was 16.8% and poor subjective sleep quality was more common among women endorsing suicidal ideation as compared to their counterparts who did not (47.2% vs. 24.8%, P<.001). After adjustment for confounders including maternal depression, poor subjective sleep quality (defined using the recommended criteria of PSQI global score of >5 vs. ≤5) was associated with a 1.7-fold increased odds of suicidal ideation (aOR=1.67; 95% CI 1.02-2.71). When assessed as a continuous variable, each 1-unit increase in the global PSQI score resulted in an 18% increase in odds for suicidal ideation, even after adjusting for depression (aOR=1.18; 95% CI 1.08-1.28). Women with both poor subjective sleep quality and depression had a 3.5-fold increased odds of suicidal ideation (aOR=3.48; 95% CI 1.96-6.18) as compared with those who had neither risk factor.

CONCLUSION

Poor subjective sleep quality was associated with increased odds of suicidal ideation. Replication of these findings may promote investments in studies designed to examine the efficacy of sleep-focused interventions to treat pregnant women with sleep disorders and suicidal ideation.