Sleep Disruption in New Mothers: An Intervention Trial

Sleep Disruption in New Parents: An Intervention Trial

The purpose of this study is to test a behavioral intervention to minimize sleep disruption and fatigue in new mothers after the birth of their first infant. This study also tests whether an acetaminophen intervention at the time of an infant's 2-month immunization series improves infant and maternal sleep.

Inclusion Criteria:

• pregnant women expecting first singleton birth
• able to speak, read, and write in English
• willing to participate for 3 consecutive days and nights during 36-39 weeks gestation and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postpartum
• willing to have their infant participate in ankle actigraphy recording of their sleep/wake patterns for 96 hrs at the time of their first immunization

Exclusion Criteria:

• history of affective illness prior to pregnancy
• current use of medications that may alter sleep
• history of a diagnosed sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, nocturnal myoclonus, or narcolepsy
• plan to employ live-in help with child care
• working the night-shift
• multiple pregnancy with twins or more