CBT for Insomnia During Pregnancy Shown to Reduce Postpartum Depression: Study

New Delhi: New research highlights the potential of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi) to improve sleep and reduce postpartum depression when administered during pregnancy.

The study was conducted by researchers from UBC's Okanagan and Vancouver campuses and the University of Calgary, showcasing the collaborative efforts of Canadian experts in advancing maternal mental health.

The study focused on 62 pregnant women experiencing insomnia and depressive symptoms. Participants were divided into two groups, with half receiving CBTi and the other half serving as a control group.

The findings revealed that those who received CBTi experienced significantly improved sleep and reduced postpartum depressive symptoms compared to the control group.

"Early intervention is crucial for infant and parental mental health," stated Dr Elizabeth Keys, an Assistant Professor at UBCO's School of Nursing and co-author of the study. "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 involves identifying and altering thoughts, behaviors, and patterns contributing to insomnia. The treatment encourages patients to challenge misconceptions and restructure habits to improve sleep quality.

Dr Keys added, "CBTi is the gold standard for treating insomnia and has consistently shown improvements in depression symptoms. Its treatment effects are similar to antidepressant medications among adults, but with fewer side effects, and is therefore often preferred by pregnant individuals."

The study's promising results underscore the importance of making such interventions accessible to more people. "We found that CBTi during pregnancy significantly improved sleep and reduced postpartum depressive symptoms for participants," Dr Keys emphasized. "These are enormously encouraging results for anyone that has struggled in those early weeks and months with their newborns."

Dr Keys also highlighted, "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."

The research brought together Dr Keys and Dr Lianne M. Tomfohr-Madsen, Canada Research Chair in Mental Health and Intersectionality at UBC Vancouver, along with their teams.

Both are key investigators for the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Sleep Equity Reimagined team and members of the Canadian Sleep Research Consortium. Their work contributes valuable insights into maternal and child health, paving the way for improved mental health strategies and sleep interventions.