Insomnia after giving birth6/23/2023 ![]() It’s not a lack of awareness that is the issue, but rather a lack of resources prohibiting them for getting the sleep they need. Most new parents are aware of the toll sleep deprivation takes on the mind and body. Being well rested can help a new mother focus on managing her depression and ultimately recovering. Sleep is one of many factors contributing to postpartum depression, but one of the most important to address. The Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing found that postpartum depression symptoms worsen when the quality of sleep declines. This could cause patients overlooking that it may be a symptom of a postpartum mood disorder. Many attribute difficulty sleeping to being on schedule with their baby. Sleep quality is controlled by the same neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood. It can also be a symptom of postpartum depression presented through insomnia or an inability to rouse. Research suggests that sleep deprivation can be a contributing factor to postpartum depression. Even if you are not dealing with postpartum depression, sleep deprivation can contribute to mood swings and unpleasant moments. You may take your irritability out on your partner, close friends and family, and maybe even your baby, which might look like snapping, being curt, or being sarcastic. People struggling with a lack of sleep find themselves easily frustrated or angered and struggle with coping skills.Īll of these factors will also contribute to suffering in relationships with those around you. It contributes to poor attention and decision making, inability to perform routine tasks and an increase in anxiety, mood swings and irritability. Sleep deprivation can cause many negative impacts on your mental health as well. A lack of sleep will disrupt the release of these hormones causing issues to appetite regulation, glucose tolerance and the circadian rhythm. According to the National Institutes of Health, the release of counter-regulatory human growth hormone and cortisol are impacted by the quality and quantity of sleep the body is getting. Not getting enough sleep also affects the hormones in the body. Both of these symptoms may be overlooked due to waking up every two hours to nurse a baby, and GI issues that are caused by a response to pregnancy and delivery. Some frequently missed symptoms of physical fatigue include an interrupted circadian rhythm and inflammation that can lead to gastrointestinal issues. A lack of sleep can cause physical fatigue, manifesting in symptoms that may be attributed to other causes. Sleep has a big impact on the body without all of the added physiological changes occurring in the postpartum body. Just this process alone is exhausting, let alone the interrupted sleep patterns that come with having a newborn. Major organs are returning back to their usual place and size. After 9 months of rapid changes within the body, the process of returning to a new normal begins. ![]() Below we discuss the impact sleep has during the postpartum period and how to find support in maximizing your rest time.ĭuring the postpartum period (typically from 0-4 months after birth), women are going through extreme physiological changes. This could leave parents feeling hopeless and worn out. This time frame of sleep deprivation combined with learning new skills can become overwhelming. It comes as no surprise to new parents that they’re utterly exhausted during the newborn and infant period. While most people know this intellectually, living it is quite a different experience. ![]() What people are trying to tell you is that you’re going to be the most tired you’ve ever been in your life. “All expecting mothers have heard the infamous and annoying advice, “sleep before the baby comes.” As if sleep is easy to come by during pregnancy itself! This unsolicited advice usually is given with good intentions. Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington is a psychology practice located in Rockville, MD that specializes in reproductive psychology and family therapy. ![]() Julie Bindeman, Psy-D, Co-Director of Integrative Therapy of Washington sheds light on how sleep deprivation affects the body and mind, and how to utilize support to increase the quantity and quality of sleep. This month we are focusing on the importance of quality sleep for the family in the postpartum period. Sleep and its Impact Postpartum “Sleep Before the Baby Comes!” ![]()
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