Is sleep disruption a trigger for postpartum psychosis?

Katie J S Lewis1, Russell G Foster1, Ian R Jones2

  • 1Katie J. S. Lewis, BSc, Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University; Russell G. Foster, BSc, PhD, FRS, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford; Ian R. Jones, MRCPsych, PhD, Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.

An episode of postpartum psychosis can be devastating for a woman and her family, and it is vital we understand the factors involved in the aetiology of this condition. Sleep and circadian rhythm disruption is a plausible candidate but further research is needed that builds on the latest advances in chronobiology and neuroscience.

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