A new study from McMaster University in Canada has found that sleep may be closely associated with the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms in new mothers, starting in the third trimester of pregnancy to the third postpartum month.
The three-month period before and after giving birth is a vulnerable time for a woman’s mental health. Many suffer from anxiety and depression during this time, so research is needed to find the cause of these mental health conditions.
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This new study is the most extensive observational analysis investigating changes in sleep and biological rhythms during the peripartum period. Several variables were identified that are linked to peripartum depression and anxiety.
Notably, changes in the circadian quotient — the average amount of fragmentation of nighttime rest — was strongly linked to higher depressive and anxiety symptoms.
For the study, 100 women were analyzed, including 73 of which were followed from the start of the third trimester to three months postpartum. Subjective and objective measures of sleep were examined along with biological rhythms, melatonin levels, and light exposure using various tools, including questionnaires, sleep monitors, and other methods.
The findings indicated that certain biological rhythm variables might be vital to depressive symptoms at specific points along the peripartum timeline. Higher sleep fragmentation was linked to decreased depressive symptoms at 6 to 12 weeks postpartum. This period tends to coincide with a higher risk of developing postpartum depression.
Sleep and Mental Health
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Mounting evidence suggests that sleep disorders are heavily connected to brain function and mental health, not just in pregnant women but also for everyone. Adults need to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. It is also essential to get the proper vitamins and minerals that allow the body to relax and get a quality night’s sleep.
Sleep Sure Plus can help ensure a decent night’s sleep, which can support the ability to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, a healthy body weight, and cardiovascular health. With a blend of 7 ingredients, including melatonin and valerian, Sleep Sure Plus can help to provide well-rounded support for a restful night of sleep.
For those who may suffer from anxiety, Anxiety Rescue has a variety of ingredients to target multiple aspects of stress, mood support, and anxiety. It is des§igned to help reduce anxiety and support cognitive function.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
