Association Between Sleep Quality and Postpartum Depression in Primigravida

Rimsha Akhtar; Moeen Ahmad Khan; Samra Younas; Nasrullah; Zarmina Fatima; Kalsoom Sakhi Ullah

doi:10.61919/n0j8fm49

Authors

Rimsha Akhtar University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Moeen Ahmad Khan University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Samra Younas University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Nasrullah University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Zarmina Fatima University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Kalsoom Sakhi Ullah University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/n0j8fm49

Keywords:

Postpartum depression; sleep quality; primigravida; Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; cesarean section; vaginal delivery

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression and poor sleep quality are common concerns among first-time mothers and may negatively affect maternal recovery, emotional well-being, infant care, and mother–infant bonding. Sleep disturbance during the postpartum period may arise from infant-care demands, physical discomfort, fragmented nighttime rest, and psychosocial adjustment, while depressive symptoms may further worsen perceived sleep quality. Objective: To assess the association between sleep quality and postpartum depression among primigravida women and to compare sleep quality and depressive symptoms between vaginal and cesarean delivery groups. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 142 primigravida postpartum women, including 71 women after vaginal delivery and 71 after cesarean delivery. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and postpartum depressive symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, Pearson’s correlation, and Spearman’s correlation, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Cesarean-delivery mothers had higher mean EPDS scores than vaginal-delivery mothers (15.96 ± 5.82 vs 10.65 ± 5.74) and higher mean PSQI scores (10.65 ± 3.77 vs 6.25 ± 4.26). Poorer sleep quality was moderately and positively associated with higher depressive symptom severity (Pearson’s r = 0.591, p < 0.001; Spearman’s rho = 0.615, p < 0.001). Pain during sleep showed the largest delivery-mode difference. Conclusion: Poor sleep quality was significantly associated with higher postpartum depressive symptoms among primigravida women, with cesarean-delivery mothers showing greater sleep and depression burden. Routine postpartum assessment of sleep disturbance, pain-related sleep disruption, and depressive symptoms may support early identification and timely maternal mental health care.

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