Sleep is a Natural Postpartum Depression Cure

Study - More Shut-Eye a Simple Remedy for Stressed, Tired New Moms

May 25, 2009

Postpartum depression affects at least 10 to 20 percent of mothers shortly after giving birth, according to Canadian statistics. Antidepressants and other medication are sometimes prescribed, but a new study suggests the ideal cure for postpartum depression may be far simpler: plenty of sleep. Research indicates that much-needed sleep helps reset hormone and circadian rhythms in mothers who are exhausted or prone to depression after childbirth.

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum or postnatal depression is similar to other types of depression, but occurs to mothers within the first year after a new baby's birth, but generally starting in the first two months. Common symptoms of postpartum depression include:

These symptoms often interfere with a new mother's relationship and bonding with her baby. Although a number of possible factors have been suggested, it's not completely clear what causes postnatal depression. But, according to new research, all of these concerns can be prevented by making sure that stressed, tired mothers get adequate sleep before and after delivery.

Hormones, Depression and Sleep

The connection between hormones and sleep is well-documented, as is the connection between hormones and mood disorders. But until now, sleep has not been linked to postpartum depression directly. New research led by Dr. Meir Steiner, founder of the Women's Health Concerns Clinic in Hamilton, Ontario (Canada), may begin to change that.

Dr. Steiner, co-author of the book Mood Disorders in Women, says he began to suspect a link between sleep deprivation and postnatal depression a few years ago, when pregnant mothers who had previously had postpartum depression told him they feared they might slip back into depression thanks to pregnancy fatigue.

Moms Jet-Lagged After Childbirth

Steiner describes a "eureka moment" when he made the mental connection between the common sleep deprivation known by many mothers in the days after giving birth, and the postpartum depression that plague some of these new mothers.

"What these women were describing was jet lag. We called them the jet-lagged moms," says Steiner in a CBC News release. "The whole system — particularly the hormonal system — is totally desynchronized…. The idea is to try and prevent sleep deprivation, which seems to be the biggest enemy for those at risk."

Sleep More to Reset Body Rhythms and Prevent Postpartum Depression

To that purpose, Steiner and other researchers set up a program where mothers with a personal or family history of depression – or any women especially nervous or anxious toward the final days of their pregnancies – were invited to stay in a private room in the hospital for up to five days after childbirth at no charge. Every precaution was taken to allow new mothers to rest, catch up on sleep, and reset their bodies' rhythms while their babies were cared for.

After positive feedback, six other hospitals in Ontario have copied the program, despite criticism that it might interfere with breastfeeding and mother-child bonding at an early age. Steiner counters that mothers in the program have greater success with breastfeeding and that children benefit immeasurably by avoiding the trauma of having a depressed mother.

Although the cost of keeping new mothers in hospital – nearly $1000 per 24 hours – seems prohibitive to some, Steiner feels the expense of the program is justified and that it saves health care costs in the long run. Ariel Dalfen, a psychologist working at Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital, agrees. "We're justifying it by the medical outcome," she says. "It's like a small investment in the mom's well-being."

Sources

The copyright of the article Sleep is a Natural Postpartum Depression Cure in Postpartum Health is owned by Victoria Anisman-Reiner. Permission to republish Sleep is a Natural Postpartum Depression Cure in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

May 25, 2009 4:41 PM

Guest :

I totally agree with the premise that sleep in the early post partum period is vital for Mum's mental status. I worked in Obstetrics & had 3 babies in the late 60's & early 70's. New Mum's were encouraged to rest & sleep as much as possible. Babies were taken care of in the nursery at night. They still spent a lot of time with Mum at feeding times--thus lots of bonding. I went home rested & on the road to healing with breast feeding well established.My daughter had the opposite experience. She was expected to take over care of her newborns immediately and returned home after 2 days exhausted & depressed with breast milk supply problems.Needless to say that contributed to her anxiety. If family is not available perhaps we need a sort of midwifery for post partum Mum's in the home to ensure newborn & Maternal health. Betty Hutcheon