Postpartum Insomnia
Postpartum insomnia affects a staggering number of new mothers—around 60% at eight weeks postpartum, and 41% continue to struggle with it even two years after giving birth (in the general population the rate is around 25%). This isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a significant issue that warrants more attention and support.
While sleep deprivation is often brushed off as a normal part of motherhood, the persistence of insomnia long after the baby’s early months highlights a need for deeper understanding and intervention. Research indicates that factors such as stress, personal traits, and poor sleep-hygiene habits contribute to this problem. Insomnia isn’t just about having trouble falling asleep; it can manifest as difficulty staying asleep, waking up too early, or a mix of these issues.
The impact of insomnia goes beyond feeling tired. It can affect your mood, making you more prone to anxiety, depression, and irritability. Cognitive functions such as memory and concentration may suffer, and your overall quality of life—including work and social activities—can be disrupted. Moreover, persistent insomnia can increase the risk of serious health issues like mood disorders, heart problems, and insulin resistance.
If you find that your baby is sleeping through the night but you’re still unable to get restful sleep, it’s essential not to accept this as your new norm. Instead, seek help. Understanding the difference between short-term insomnia, which lasts a few days, and chronic insomnia, which persists at least three times a week for three months or more, is crucial. Common symptoms include feeling excessively tired, slow responses, trouble remembering things, confusion, and mood disruptions.
Postpartum insomnia can be caused by various factors beyond infant night-waking, including hormone imbalances, mental health conditions, sleep apnea, medication side effects, and nutrient deficiencies. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to identify the underlying causes and receive appropriate treatment. Addressing these issues with the help of a medical expert can lead to better sleep, improved mood, and overall enhanced well-being.
Sources:
Prevalence of postpartum insomnia: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9109228/#:~:text=Recent%20findings:,insomnia%20is%20an%20effective%20treatment.
Symptoms: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12119-insomnia
Román-Gálvez RM, Amezcua-Prieto C, Salcedo-Bellido I, Martínez-Galiano JM, Khan KS, Bueno-Cavanillas A. Factors associated with insomnia in pregnancy: A prospective cohort study.Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2018; 221:70–5. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2017.12.007.
