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Sleep quality and depression during pregnancy: a prospective study
Helen Skouteris1, Carmela Germano, Eleanor H Wertheim
1School of Psychology, Deakin University, Australia.
Journal of Sleep Research
|May 17, 2008
Summary
Poor sleep quality during pregnancy may predict later depressive symptoms. This prospective study found sleep quality, not depression, predicted future mood changes in pregnant individuals. Early screening for sleep issues is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Sleep science
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Depression and sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy.
- Prospective studies on this relationship are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and sleep quality during pregnancy.
- To determine if sleep quality predicts depressive symptoms or vice versa.
Main Methods:
- 273 pregnant individuals were assessed at three 8-week intervals.
- Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Beck Depression Inventory were used.
- Analyses controlled for prior depression levels.
Main Results:
- Sleep quality and depressive symptoms remained stable throughout pregnancy.
- Earlier sleep quality predicted later depressive symptoms.
- Earlier depressive symptoms did not predict later sleep quality.
Conclusions:
- Sleep quality during pregnancy is a significant predictor of subsequent depressive symptoms.
- Screening for sleep problems in pregnant individuals may be clinically important.
- This highlights the need to address sleep disturbances to prevent perinatal depression.
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