Sleep Across the Perinatal Journey: Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Beyond Webcast-Sleep Across the Perinatal Journey: Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Beyond Webcast

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The presentations focus on sleep disturbances during pregnancy and postpartum, highlighting their prevalence, impacts, and interventions. Dr. Gara Borshaili explains sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is common and underdiagnosed in pregnancy, especially among those with obesity, gestational diabetes, or complicated pregnancies. SDB is linked to increased maternal morbidity, including hypertensive disorders, cardiac conditions, and adverse fetal outcomes like small or large birth weight. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy shows benefits, particularly in blood pressure control, though adherence remains a challenge. Screening recommendations emphasize targeted assessment in the second trimester for high-risk women.<br /><br />Dr. Katie Sharkey discusses the relationship between sleep disruption and mood disorders during pregnancy, noting sleep difficulties often precede depression and anxiety. Hormonal changes, physical discomfort, and psychological stress contribute to poor sleep and reduced REM sleep. She highlights the significance of fragmented sleep postpartum and recommends strategies such as shared caregiving, optimized sleep environment, and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) to improve sleep and mental health outcomes. <br /><br />Dr. Geeta Mason focuses on parental sleep post-birth, emphasizing links between sleep quality, brain function, mental health, and caregiving. She advocates for low-complexity interventions (e.g., sleep hygiene, noise control) and digital CBT-I to support parents. The talks underscore the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and systemic support, including policy changes like paid parental leave, to enhance maternal and infant health.

Keywords

sleep disturbances pregnancy

postpartum sleep issues

sleep-disordered breathing

obstructive sleep apnea

maternal morbidity

continuous positive airway pressure

sleep and mood disorders

cognitive behavioral therapy insomnia

parental sleep interventions