While many people believe that poor sleep during pregnancy is inevitable, new research has determined that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi) while pregnant can not only improve sleep patterns but also address postpartum depression.
Researchers from UBC’s Okanagan and Vancouver campuses, as well as the University of Calgary, discovered that delivering CBTi during pregnancy significantly reduces postpartum depressive symptoms after a baby arrives.
Dr Elizabeth Keys is an Assistant Professor in UBCO’s School of Nursing and a study co-author.
The researcher said: “Early intervention is crucial for infant and parental mental health.
“Our research explores how addressing sleep problems like insomnia can lead to better mental health outcomes for families, helping parents and their children thrive.”
CBTi is a therapeutic intervention that identifies thoughts, behaviours and sleep patterns that contribute to insomnia.
Treatment includes challenging or reframing misconceptions and restructuring habits to improve sleep quality.
Keys said: “CBTi is the gold standard for the treatment of insomnia and has consistently been shown to improve symptoms of depression.
“Its treatment effects are similar to antidepressant medications among adults, but with fewer side effects, and is therefore often preferred by pregnant individuals.”
Sixty-two women assessed for insomnia and depressive symptoms participated in the study—with half randomly assigned to an intervention group and half to a control group.
Dr Keys said: “We found that CBTi during pregnancy significantly improved sleep and reduced postpartum depressive symptoms for participants.
“These are enormously encouraging results for anyone that has struggled in those early weeks and months with their newborns.”
Results indicate that effective insomnia treatment during pregnancy may serve as a protective factor against postpartum depression.
Dr Keys said: “Our study adds to the growing evidence that treating insomnia during pregnancy is beneficial for various outcomes.
“It’s time to explore how we can make this treatment more accessible to pregnant individuals across the country to improve sleep health equity.”
