Lack of rest could trigger post-natal depression
06/10/2011
New mums who regularly spend less than six hours in bed could be at increased risk of suffering from post-natal depression, research suggests.
University of Canberra research student Kerry Thomas surveyed more than 100 international studies to determine a link between sleep deprivation and signs of depression.
She discovered that although disturbed sleep patterns are a fact of life for new mums, the effect on their emotional health is often underestimated.
In some circumstances, the symptoms may not arise until weeks after the child is born and could persist for several years.
"The link between insomnia and depression in the general population has been well documented, but sleep deprivation is rarely studied as a risk factor for post-natal depression," commented Ms Thomas.
She suggested that the few studies that have been carried out demonstrate an "undeniable link", with symptoms including fatigue, poorer quality of life, sleepiness and lethargy.
Posted by Michael Ewing
