Article: Infant sleep problems link with postnatal depression

There is a strong link between infant sleep problems and postnatal depression (PND), according to an Australian study.

In Australia, more than one third of parents report problems with their infant's sleep and estimates of the prevalence of PND range between 10 to 15 per cent in the general population.

Infant sleep problems and postnatal depression can both impact adversely and in similar ways on the mother, the infant and the mother-infant relationship.

According to the Melbourne study, infant sleep disruption can lead to maternal sleep disruption, resulting in adverse effects on mood, cognition and motor function, which are similar symptoms to those reported by mothers with postnatal ...