New Delhi, November 1 (IANS). Poor sleep is common during and after pregnancy. Regarding this, Canadian researchers suggested Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBTI) for insomnia, saying that it can not only improve sleep patterns, but also helps in relieving postpartum depression.
The team from the University of British Columbia Okanagan and the University of Calgary’s Vancouver campus showed that the CBTI can detect thought behaviors and sleep patterns that cause insomnia during pregnancy. Which can prevent the risk of postpartum depressive symptoms after childbirth to a great extent.
This treatment involves challenging or reframing misconceptions and reorganizing habits to improve sleep quality.
Dr. Elizabeth Keyes, assistant professor in UBCO’s school of nursing, said early treatment with CBTI can be important for both baby and mother.
Keyes said that CBTI is better for treating insomnia, and is similar to antidepressants. Since it has fewer side effects, this therapy is considered safe in pregnancy.
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that can affect women and men after childbirth. It can affect a person’s behavior and physical health. Crying more than usual, feeling angry, withdrawing from the baby, doubting one’s ability to care for the baby, and thoughts of harming the baby or oneself are common symptoms.
The research included 62 women with symptoms of insomnia and depression. Half of these women were placed in a treatment group, while the rest were included in a control group.
Keyes found that the results, appearing in this issue of the Journal of Affective Disorders, were “extremely encouraging” and could help all women who have struggled with their newborns in the early days.
Keyes said the next task is to find ways to make the treatment more accessible to pregnant women, to improve their sleep health equity.
–IANS
MKS/AS
