Disordered sleep is related to delusional ideation and depression during the perinatal period

Sleep Health. 2020 Apr;6(2):179-184. doi: 10.1016/j.sleh.2020.01.001. Epub 2020 Feb 7.

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigates the associations between sleep disturbances, delusional ideation (DI), and depressive symptomatology across the perinatal period.

Methods: A community sample of 316 mothers completed the Sleep Symptom Checklist, Peters Delusional Inventory, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at three time points: second trimester of pregnancy (12-14 weeks gestation), third trimester (32-34 weeks gestation), and two months postpartum.

Results: Longitudinal path analysis revealed a bidirectional relationship between sleep disturbance and DI across pregnancy. Sleep disturbances in early pregnancy directly predicted symptoms of depression in late pregnancy and had an indirect effect on postpartum depression through DI in late pregnancy.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that disturbed sleep during pregnancy plays a role in increased levels of DI and depressive symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum.

Keywords: Delusional ideation; Depression; Postpartum; Pregnancy; Sleep.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Delusions / psychology*
  • Depression / psychology*
  • Depression, Postpartum / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Mothers / psychology
  • Mothers / statistics & numerical data
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Second
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Third
  • Pregnant Women / psychology*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / psychology*

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