Anxiety in mothers cause infant sleep disorders

Washington, Apr 1: Anxiety or depression in mothers during pregnancy may lead to sleeping problems in infants, and in turn, behavioural problems in adulthood. This has been empirically proved by a new Psychological research (published in the Journal of Sleep).

The research was done on 874 women before pregnancy and through the period of pregnancy. They were first assessed for depressive symptoms through scales such as General Health Questionnaire.

The findings basically found high relationship between anxiety or depression in mothers with childhood sleeping problems such as poor sleep at 6 months through 12 months of age, night wakening, bedroom sharing and so on. This further led to learning disabilities, behavioural problems that continue on to adulthood.

Therefore mental state of the mother during the child's prenatal development becomes very important. Also if left untreated infant sleep problems can become chronic, with implications for the mental health and well being of both the child and the mother.

ANI