The Relationship between Sleep Pattern and Depression in Pregnant Women in the Third Trimester

Introduction: One of the most common complaints in pregnancy is sleep disturbances which can cause depression. Depression, too, is one of the most common complaints in pregnancy that can affect mother and fetus and even mother and neonate in postpartum period. Therefore this research was accomplished by the objective assessment of relationship between sleep pattern and depression in the third trimester of pregnancy in pregnant mothers who referred to Mashhad Pregnancy Care Centers (MPCC) in 2002.

Materials & Methods: This study was a descriptive, analytic and cross sectional one in which 320 of mothers who were in third trimester of pregnancy and referred to MPCC in 2002 were selected. They had inclusion criteria and hadn’t trait depression personality. The data were collected by sleep log score, Beck depression inventory and demographic information and pregnancy history. To analyze the data, t-test, ANOVA and linear regression model were employed.

Results: The findings showed that the mean of depression scores was 13.30±8.56 and the mean of total sleep scores was 26.05±8.75. The results also showed that there was a significant relationship between depression score and total sleep score (P<0.001) and between depression score and sleep duration, quality (P<0.001), insomnia (P<0.001) and day time alertness (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Sleep pattern associated with pregnancy was related to depression. So, there should be established supporting and prenatal care for mental health and preventing the side effects of sleep disturbances and depression on pregnancy, delivery, post partum period and health of mothers and neonates.