Researchers from UBC and the University of Calgary have found that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia during pregnancy can significantly reduce postpartum depression, providing a promising new approach to maternal mental health.
While poor sleep during pregnancy is often considered unavoidable, a new study from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the University of Calgary is challenging that narrative. The researchers have discovered that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi) administered during pregnancy not only improves sleep patterns but also significantly reduces symptoms of postpartum depression.
“Early intervention is crucial for infant and parental mental health,” co-author Elizabeth Keys, an assistant professor in UBC Okanagan’s School of Nursing, said in a news release. “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 is a structured, evidence-based approach that targets the negative thoughts, behaviors and sleep patterns contributing to insomnia. This therapy involves challenging misconceptions about sleep and restructuring habits to enhance sleep quality.
“CBTi is the gold standard for the treatment of insomnia and has consistently been shown to improve symptoms of depression,” added 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 included 62 women who were assessed for insomnia and depressive symptoms, with participants randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving CBTi or a control group.
“We found that CBTi during pregnancy significantly improved sleep and reduced postpartum depressive symptoms for participants,” Keys added. “These are enormously encouraging results for anyone that has struggled in those early weeks and months with their newborns.”
The findings suggest that effective treatment of insomnia during pregnancy may serve as a protective factor against postpartum depression.
“Our study adds to the growing evidence that treating insomnia during pregnancy is beneficial for various outcomes,” Keys said. “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 study, published in Journal of Affective Disorders, not only underscores the importance of early mental health intervention for expecting mothers but also highlights the power of interdisciplinary collaboration.
For expecting mothers and health care providers alike, these findings offer a beacon of hope. With further research and broader implementation, CBTi could become a standard practice, providing much-needed relief and support during and after pregnancy.