Sleep habits and problems across gestational progress in Japanese women.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy-related anatomic, physiologic, and hormonal factors can occur at different stages of pregnancy and affect sleep disturbances. Sleep problems and habits among Japanese women across gestational stages have not been described. This study aimed to elucidate sleep problems, including a high risk of sleep-disordered breathing and sleep habits, among Japanese women across gestational progress, including postpartum. METHODS: A questionnaire survey using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Berlin Questionnaire was conducted for 683 pregnant women (223 in the second trimester, 453 in the third trimester) and 386 postpartum (within 1 week after delivery). RESULTS: The total PSQI score was 5.3 [2.6] in the second trimester, 6.1 [2.8] in the third trimester, and 6.8 [3.1] in the first week postpartum. The percentage of those at high risk for sleep-disordered breathing, as determined by the Berlin Questionnaire, was 11.8% in the second trimester, 21.3% in the third trimester, and 19.2% in the first week postpartum, with the highest percentage of those at high risk in the third trimester of pregnancy. CONCLUSION: The PSQI total score exceeded the cut-off value in the third trimester and the first week postpartum, suggesting sleep deterioration. Therefore, it is necessary to understand and support sleep in pregnant women to ensure safe delivery, postpartum recovery, and health.

A quasi-randomized controlled trial of Ninjin'yoeito for the treatment of postpartum anemia and the prevention of postpartum depression.

AIM: To study the effect of Ninjin'yoeito (NYT) on postpartum anemia and on the development of postpartum depression (PPD). METHODS: In this prospective, single-center, open-label, quasi-randomized controlled trial, patients with anemia 1-2 days postdelivery were randomized to receive either NYT or an oral iron preparation for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was the hemoglobin (Hb) level. Secondary endpoints were fatigue (assessed by the numerical rating scale [NRS]) and prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms, as defined by an Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) score ≥9. Hb levels and fatigue were measured before, and 4 weeks after, treatment and the EPDS was measured 4 weeks posttreatment. RESULTS: Of 1066 participants (NYT group: 532, iron group: 534) 1061 (NYT group: 529, iron group: 532) underwent full analysis. The Hb level increased significantly in both groups (p < 0.001), and there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the change in Hb levels (NYT: 2.4 ± 0.8 g/dL vs. iron: 2.5 ± 0.7 g/dL, p = 0.098). Fatigue decreased significantly in the NYT group (p < 0.001) but did not change in the iron group, and the difference was significant (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of the prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms (NYT: 5.7% vs. iron: 9.4%, odds ratio [OR] = 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.36-0.93). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that NYT improves postpartum anemia and fatigue, and may be able to prevent the development of PPD.