Insomnia Treatment Preferences During Pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Sleep Medicine
• Behavioral Health

Background:

• Insomnia is a common complaint during pregnancy, affecting maternal well-being and potentially infant outcomes.
• Treatment options for pregnancy-related insomnia include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-I), pharmacotherapy, and acupuncture, each with varying patient perceptions.
• Understanding pregnant women's preferences is crucial for effective and patient-centered management of sleep disturbances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To ascertain pregnant women's treatment preferences for insomnia.
• To compare preferences for cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), pharmacotherapy, and acupuncture among pregnant individuals.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was administered to 187 pregnant women recruited from a maternity clinic and a pregnancy trade show.
• Participants reviewed expert-validated descriptions of CBT-I, pharmacotherapy, and acupuncture.
• Preferences and perceptions of each insomnia treatment modality were assessed via an online questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) was the most preferred treatment for insomnia among pregnant women (p < .001).
• CBT-I was rated as the most credible treatment option (partial η² = .22, p < .001).
• Participants exhibited significantly more positive reactions to CBT-I compared to pharmacotherapy and acupuncture (partial η² = .37, p < .001).

Conclusions:

• Pregnant women demonstrate a clear preference for cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as a treatment for sleep disturbances.
• These findings align with preferences for psychotherapy in managing other conditions like depression and anxiety during pregnancy.
• Clinicians should prioritize discussing and incorporating patient preferences when developing insomnia treatment plans for pregnant individuals.