Can Insomnia Therapy During Pregnancy Reduce Postpartum Depression? Study Provides Insights - Video

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. The findings were published in journal of affective disorders.

Researchers discovered that delivering CBTi during pregnancy significantly reduces postpartum depressive symptoms after a baby arrives.

CBTi is a therapeutic intervention that identifies thoughts, behaviors and sleep patterns that contribute to insomnia. Treatment includes challenging or reframing misconceptions and restructuring habits to improve sleep quality

“CBTi is the gold standard for the treatment of insomnia and has consistently been shown to improve symptoms of depression,” says Dr. Elizabeth Keys, an Assistant Professor in UBCO’s School of Nursing and a study co-author. “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.

“We found that CBTi during pregnancy significantly improved sleep and reduced postpartum depressive symptoms for participants,” explains Dr. Keys. “These are enormously encouraging results for anyone that has struggled in those early weeks and months with their newborns.”

Reference: Silang K, MacKinnon A, Madsen J, Giesbrecht GF, Campbell T, Keys E, Freeman M, Dewsnap K, Jung JW, Tomfohr-Madsen LM. Sleeping for two: A randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTI) delivered in pregnancy and secondary impacts on symptoms of postpartum depression. J Affect Disord. 2024 Oct 1;362:670-678. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.07.117. Epub 2024 Jul 18. PMID: 39029668.