Abstract
Background and aims: Two in five postpartum women (40%) experience chronic insomnia complaints up to two years after childbirth. These complaints are strongly associated with reduced physical activity, increased pain intensity, and worsened mood. Despite their high prevalence, effective, tailored interventions for first-time mothers remain scarce. This study will investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of two personalized "Sleep-MOMagement" interventions compared to standard care.
Methods: A three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted to compare two interventions against standard care. The first intervention, Behavioural Sleep Management (BSM), is a personalized approach designed to optimize circadian rhythms and sleep habits. The second intervention, Behavioural Aerobic Exercise Therapy (BAET), aims to enhance daytime physical activity to improve sleep quality.
The primary outcome of this study is insomnia severity, assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) at a six-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes include various sleep-related parameters (e.g., sleep duration, sleep quality, sleep efficiency, and regularity), pain-related outcomes, physical activity levels, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and maternal quality of life. Pain will be evaluated through self-reported questions regarding its presence, location (body chart), intensity (VAS), and whether it is chronic or recurrent. The study will also explore the relationships between sleep-related parameters, physical activity levels, and the presence and intensity of pain among postpartum women. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, post-intervention (six weeks), three months follow-up, and six months follow-up. A total of 135 participants will be recruited, with a subgroup using GT3X actigraphy devices for objective sleep and activity tracking.
In addition, a cost-utility analysis will be conducted to evaluate the economic impact of both interventions. Alongside the RCT, a qualitative process evaluation will examine participant and therapist experiences, the influence of contextual factors (e.g., therapy dosage, fidelity, and demographics), and mechanisms of intervention effectiveness to inform future implementation.
Results: Both interventions are expected to significantly reduce insomnia severity and improve secondary outcomes relative to standard care. Improved sleep is anticipated to reduce pain intensity and potentially prevent the long-term development of chronic pain. Additionally, both strategies are projected to be cost-effective alternatives to standard care.
Conclusion: By tailoring interventions to the unique needs of postpartum women, this study aims to advance personalized postpartum care, enhance maternal health, and promote long-term well-being in new mothers.
Funding bodies which supported the submitted research: FWO Aspirant, Strategic Basic Research
Methods: A three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted to compare two interventions against standard care. The first intervention, Behavioural Sleep Management (BSM), is a personalized approach designed to optimize circadian rhythms and sleep habits. The second intervention, Behavioural Aerobic Exercise Therapy (BAET), aims to enhance daytime physical activity to improve sleep quality.
The primary outcome of this study is insomnia severity, assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) at a six-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes include various sleep-related parameters (e.g., sleep duration, sleep quality, sleep efficiency, and regularity), pain-related outcomes, physical activity levels, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and maternal quality of life. Pain will be evaluated through self-reported questions regarding its presence, location (body chart), intensity (VAS), and whether it is chronic or recurrent. The study will also explore the relationships between sleep-related parameters, physical activity levels, and the presence and intensity of pain among postpartum women. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, post-intervention (six weeks), three months follow-up, and six months follow-up. A total of 135 participants will be recruited, with a subgroup using GT3X actigraphy devices for objective sleep and activity tracking.
In addition, a cost-utility analysis will be conducted to evaluate the economic impact of both interventions. Alongside the RCT, a qualitative process evaluation will examine participant and therapist experiences, the influence of contextual factors (e.g., therapy dosage, fidelity, and demographics), and mechanisms of intervention effectiveness to inform future implementation.
Results: Both interventions are expected to significantly reduce insomnia severity and improve secondary outcomes relative to standard care. Improved sleep is anticipated to reduce pain intensity and potentially prevent the long-term development of chronic pain. Additionally, both strategies are projected to be cost-effective alternatives to standard care.
Conclusion: By tailoring interventions to the unique needs of postpartum women, this study aims to advance personalized postpartum care, enhance maternal health, and promote long-term well-being in new mothers.
Funding bodies which supported the submitted research: FWO Aspirant, Strategic Basic Research
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Unpublished - 22 Mar 2025 |
| Event | BPS Young Researchers Day - Universiteit Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Belgium Duration: 22 Mar 2025 → 22 Mar 2025 |
Conference
| Conference | BPS Young Researchers Day |
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| Country/Territory | Belgium |
| City | Antwerpen |
| Period | 22/03/25 → 22/03/25 |