| Abstract [eng] |
Studies show that women sleep <7 hours a day in the postnatal period, and more than half of women experience sleep disorders during this period [1,2]. Sleep disorders are associated with high economic costs for the affected individuals and society [3]. Disturbed sleep also contributes to the development of mood disorders, including depression [4]. The postnatal period is important for both parents because of the major changes. Many men find it difficult to adjust psychologically to parenthood. The difficulties associated with parenthood affect family functioning and the development of the baby [5–7]. Infant crying and sleep disorders may be the cause of dads' anger or aggressive behaviour towards their babies [8]. Psychological problems in the husband increase the risk of social and behavioural problems in the child and depression in the mother [7]. Aim of the study: To assess the prevalence, symptoms and treatment of postpartum sleep disorders among mothers up to 6 months postpartum and their partners. Study objectives: 1. To assess the prevalence of sleep disorders in patients up to 6 months postpartum and their partners. 2. To assess the symptoms of sleep disorders in patients up to 6 months postpartum and their partners. 3. To analyse the scientific literature on the prevention and treatment of postpartum sleep disorders. Methods: Women 1–6 months postpartum and their partners were presented with an anonymous online survey on the Facebook mothers' forums and the Instagram forums, which they could complete at their convenience. Permission was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee to conduct the survey. The survey consisted of demographic, psychosocial and medical data. It also included questionnaires such as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the International Restless Legs Syndrome Scale, the Athens Insomnia Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and Python. Study results: Only 12.9% of the 139 women and 43.9% of the 139 men in the study had good sleep quality. 87.1% of women and 56.1% of men had poor sleep quality, with significantly worse sleep quality in women. Symptoms of restless legs syndrome were more common in women (46.8%) than in men (15.8%). Symptoms of insomnia were more common in the female group – 71.2% compared to 38.8% in the male group. Women had poorer sleep quality in the first months after giving birth, if they had a caesarean section, if they were exclusively formula fed, if they slept in the same bed with the baby, or if they had a history of mood or sleep disorders. Their sleep quality also deteriorated if there was a lack of support from a partner or loved ones. In contrast, men's sleep quality was worse if they had a history of mood disturbances, when the baby slept in a different room, but the biggest fluctuations were observed when the baby was in the same bed or in a single bed in the same room. In all cases, the women experienced greater sleep disturbances than their partners. Conclusions: There was a statistically significant difference in postnatal sleep quality between mothers and their partners (p<0.05), with women experiencing more frequent sleep disturbances, 87.1% of women and 56.1% of men having poor sleep quality, and more severe sleep disturbances, with a higher mean PSQI score of 8.8 for women than 5.2 for men. Feeding method, mode of delivery, infant sleeping position and past history of mood or sleep disorders were found to be non-significant (p>0.05) for women's sleep quality. Past history of mood or sleep disorders was found to have a significant (p<0.05) effect on men's sleep quality after childbirth. Partner support was found to be more likely to improve women's sleep quality. Women are more likely to experience symptoms of restless legs syndrome and insomnia (based on the Athens Insomnia Scale) than their partners, and these gender differences are statistically significant (p<0.05). |
