Although it is commonly perceived that poor sleep during pregnancy is unavoidable, recent research indicates that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi) can effectively enhance sleep patterns and mitigate postpartum depression.
A study conducted by researchers from the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan and Vancouver campuses, alongside the University of Calgary, revealed that the implementation of CBTi during pregnancy leads to a significant reduction in postpartum depressive symptoms following childbirth.
“Early intervention is crucial for infant and parental mental health,” says Dr. Elizabeth Keys, an Assistant Professor in UBCO’s School of Nursing and a study co-author. “Our research explores how addressing sleep problems like insomnia can lead to better mental health outcomes for families, helping parents and their children thrive.”
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi) is a therapeutic intervention designed to identify the thoughts, behaviors, and sleep patterns that contribute to insomnia. The treatment involves challenging or reframing misconceptions about sleep and restructuring habits to enhance overall sleep quality.
“CBTi is the gold standard for the treatment of insomnia and has consistently been shown to improve symptoms of depression,” says Dr. Keys. “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 involved sixty-two women who were assessed for insomnia and depressive symptoms. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group, with half of the women placed in each category.
“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.”
The results suggest that effective treatment for insomnia during pregnancy may act as a protective factor against postpartum depression.
“Our study adds to the growing evidence that treating insomnia during pregnancy is beneficial for various outcomes,” Dr. Keys says. “It’s time to explore how we can make this treatment more accessible to pregnant individuals across the country to improve sleep health equity.”
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The research underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers across Canada, particularly between the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. Dr. Elizabeth Keys, affiliated with UBC Okanagan, and Dr. Lianne M. Tomfohr-Madsen, a Canada Research Chair in Mental Health and Intersectionality based at UBC Vancouver, serve as the lead investigators for the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Sleep Equity Reimagined team. Both are also members of the Canadian Sleep Research Consortium.
The study appears in the October issue of the Journal of Affective Disorders.
