Sleep and postpartum psychosis : a narrative review of the existing literature
Abstract
Sleep problems are extremely common during the postpartum period. The role of sleep in the development of postpartum psychosis (PP) is, however, still under-researched. This narrative review aims to (1) provide a summary of the existing evidence for the associations between sleep problems and PP, (2) discuss the relevant risk factors associated with sleep problems and PP, and (3) suggest future lines of research in this area. Some of the existing literature suggests an association between sleep problems, specifically insomnia, sleep loss and sleep disruption during pregnancy and postpartum, and PP, with the most relevant risk factors including history of bipolar disorder and time of delivery. However, it is still unclear whether the previously mentioned sleep problems are a symptom of, or a trigger for PP. Thus, further research is needed to identify the specific role of sleep problems in PP, using longitudinal designs and more objective measures of sleep. This will allow appropriate detection, intervention and support for women experiencing and/or at risk for PP.
Citations
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Date
2023-12-07
Type
Article
Subject
Mental health
Collections
Citation
Carr C, Borges D, Lewis K, Heron J, Wilson S, Broome MR, Jones I, Di Florio A, Morales-Muñoz I. Sleep and Postpartum Psychosis: A Narrative Review of the Existing Literature. J Clin Med. 2023 Dec 7;12(24):7550. doi: 10.3390/jcm12247550. PMID: 38137618; PMCID: PMC10744103.
Journal / Source Title
Journal of Clinical Medicine
DOI
10.3390/jcm12247550
PMID
38137618
Publisher
MDPI
Publisher’s URL
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38137618/