Sleep during the early postpartum period as a factor of maternal mental and physical health

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Sleep disturbances are common during the postpartum period, significantly impacting maternal physical and mental health. Poor sleep quality is closely linked to elevated fatigue levels and postpartum depression, yet the specific mechanisms remain underexplored, particularly in the early postpartum weeks. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and effects of sleep disturbances on maternal well-being in the early postpartum period. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Alexandra General Hospital in Athens, Greece, between May and August 2024, focusing on women 8-15 days postpartum. A total of 100 participants completed validated assessment tools, including the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), General Sleep Disturbance Scale (GSDS), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Visual Analog Scale for Fatigue (VAS-F). Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate correlations between sleep, fatigue, and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: The median AIS score was 20 (range: 8-32), indicating widespread insomnia symptoms, with 31% of participants reporting poor sleep quality on all seven nights. Fatigue levels were high, with a median VAS-F fatigue subscale score of 74 (range: 20-111), and depressive symptoms were prevalent, with a median EPDS score of 28 (range: 5-55). Significant positive correlations were observed between AIS and VAS-F fatigue scores (r=0.290, p=0.004) and EPDS scores (r=0.280, p=0.006), highlighting the interplay between sleep disturbances, fatigue, and depression. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the urgent need for routine screening of sleep disturbances and postpartum depression in early postnatal care. Tailored interventions, such as sleep hygiene education and cognitive-behavioral therapy, could help mitigate these challenges and improve maternal health outcomes.