Characterising and Preventing Perinatal Insomnia

Sleep disturbances and insomnia symptoms are pervasive problems during pregnancy and postpartum, and this thesis aimed to enhance our understanding of the assessment, prevention, and treatment of perinatal insomnia. This thesis presented the key components needed for insomnia assessment during pregnancy and postpartum. Further, it described the development and findings of a randomised controlled trial that explored the treatment effects of two interventions targeting different mechanisms of postpartum insomnia development. This thesis identified interventions that reduce postpartum insomnia, sleep deprivation/disruption, adverse sleep-related wellbeing, and postpartum depression among birthing parents, and each intervention holds promise regarding integration into clinical care.