Internet-based intervention on maternal sleep and anxiety: a randomized clinical trial

Area of Science:

• Maternal Health
• Psychology
• Sleep Science

Background:

• Mothers of infants aged 10-24 months often experience sleep disturbances and heightened anxiety.
• Self-efficacy theory provides a framework for understanding and modifying health behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an online intervention, grounded in self-efficacy theory, for enhancing sleep quality and diminishing maternal anxiety.
• To assess the intervention's impact on mothers with infants aged 10 to 24 months.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial involving 104 mothers.
• Intervention group received virtual sessions on sleep, relaxation, and anxiety management, plus motivational messages.
• Control group received standard monitoring. Sleep quality and anxiety were measured at baseline, 15, and 30 days.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed statistically significant improvements in sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and both trait- and state-anxiety levels after 30 days (p<0.05).
• Specific reductions observed in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, trait-anxiety, and state-anxiety scores.

Conclusions:

• The online, self-efficacy-based intervention effectively improved maternal sleep and reduced anxiety.
• This digital approach offers a viable strategy for supporting maternal mental health and sleep in the postpartum period.