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Genetical effects of sleep traits on postpartum depression: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Qianying Hu1, Enzhao Cong1,2, Jianhua Chen1
1Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
|October 31, 2024
Summary
Postpartum depression (PPD) risk is increased by sleep apnea, insomnia, and tiredness. PPD may also cause insomnia and tiredness, offering insights for prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health challenge after childbirth.
- Sleep disturbances are frequently associated with PPD, but causal links are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal relationships between various sleep traits and PPD using a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.
Main Methods:
- Employed the inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) method for primary analysis.
- Utilized weighted median, weighted mode, and MR-Egger for robustness checks.
- Assessed heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy using Cochran's Q, MR-Egger intercept, and MR-PRESSO.
Main Results:
- Sleep apnea syndrome, sleeplessness/insomnia, and frequent tiredness were genetically linked to an increased risk of PPD.
- Reverse MR analysis indicated that PPD causally influences sleeplessness/insomnia and tiredness.
- No significant associations were found for the remaining six sleep traits; no heterogeneity or pleiotropy detected.
Conclusions:
- Genetic evidence supports a bidirectional causal relationship between specific sleep traits (sleep apnea, insomnia, tiredness) and PPD.
- Identifying at-risk individuals and understanding PPD's impact on sleep can inform prevention and treatment strategies.
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