Insomnia and Depression
When I do not get enough sleep I am sensitive and emotionally reactive.
The connection between sleep deprivation and post-partum mental illness was the theme of a presentation by Dr. Eileen Sloan, Staff Psychiatrist and Mount Sinai Hospital (Toronto) this morning.
Dr. Sloan works at the Perinatal Mental Health Clinic where she sees women who are suffering from emotional problems during pregnancy or after childbirth. Her research has found that there is a definate link between sleep deprivation and post-partum mental illness.
This is known through experience by many women who suffer from exhaustion and depression postpartum. It is also a surprisingly common theme in my work as an acupuncturist.
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, insomnia is often related to “Blood Deficiency” (see other articles on insomnia in this site for more discussion on the causes of “Blood Deficiency”). It is also unfortunately common that new mom’s lack sufficient support to allow them to rest immediately postpartum. As adherents of our “go, go” culture, women often feel inclined to get up and get busy quickly. This does not allow their bodies time to recuperate. Nursing women also need extra nutrition and rest time.
The most difficult part for many women is not being able to sleep even after creating conducive conditions. This may be due to racing thoughts or a fidgety body – or both! In these cases, I recommend an acupuncture housecall. The focus of the treatment is on supporting the body to relax and increase blood production which then allows the woman to unwind and sleep. Most women are able to think clearer and feel calmer once their sleep is restored.
