CBT for insomnia combats postpartum depression, research finds

Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTI) delivered during pregnancy significantly reduces postpartum depressive symptoms in mothers, new research from UBC shows.

Researchers from the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses investigated whether treating insomnia during pregnancy could alleviate symptoms of postpartum depression, which affects many new mothers.

Dr Elizabeth Keys is an Assistant Professor in UBCO’s School of Nursing and study co-author.

She said: “Early intervention is crucial for infant and maternal mental health.

“Our research explores how addressing sleep problems, like insomnia, can lead to better mental health outcomes for families, helping parents and their children thrive.”

The randomised controlled trial involved 62 women experiencing insomnia and evaluated the effects of a five-week CBTI intervention adapted for pregnancy.

Participants were assessed for insomnia and depression symptoms before the intervention, immediately after and six months postpartum.

Results indicate that effective insomnia treatment during pregnancy may serve as a protective factor against postpartum depression.

While poor sleep during and after pregnancy is common, it is often dismissed as inevitable.

Dr Keys says many parents may not realise that evidence-based treatments, like CBTI, are available.

The researcher said: “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 women across the country, with the goal of improving sleep health equity.”