Sleep changes linked to depression and anxiety during pregnancy
The new study examined changes in sleep and circadian rhythms during the perinatal period and identified several variables that are associated with depression and anxiety.
The most important, changes in the circadian quotient (intensity of the circadian rhythm), the average amount of nighttime resting activity, and the amount of nighttime rest are closely related to depressive symptoms and higher anxiety.
Given these findings, future efforts should be made to standardize evidence-based interventions targeting these circadian rhythm variables identified as therapeutic or preventive strategies.
The researchers recruited 100 women, 73 of whom were followed from the start of the third trimester to three months postpartum.
They analyzed subjective and objective measures of sleep, circadian rhythms, melatonin levels, and light exposure using a variety of tools, including questionnaires, activity (sleep trackers). wearable), laboratory tests, and other methods.
Interestingly, the findings indicate that several circadian rhythm variables that may be important for depressive symptoms at specific points along the perinatal timeline.
More fragmented nighttime rest was associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms at 6 to 12 weeks postpartum, a period that tends to coincide with a higher risk of developing postpartum depression. than.
Source: Medindia