Couples' treatment preferences for insomnia experienced during pregnancy

Fam Syst Health. 2019 Mar;37(1):46-55. doi: 10.1037/fsh0000391. Epub 2018 Dec 27.

Abstract

Introduction: Insomnia during pregnancy is prevalent, yet little is known about preferred treatments for the disorder. The current study investigated both pregnant women's and their partners' preferences for treatment of maternal insomnia, comparing the two most empirically supported therapies: cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and pharmacotherapy.

Method: We recruited pregnant women and their partners (N = 212) from a low-risk maternity clinic in Calgary, AB, Canada. Participants read expert validated treatment descriptions of pharmacotherapy and CBT-I and indicated their preference for treatment of maternal insomnia. Participants also completed the Insomnia Severity Index and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.

Results: The majority of pregnant women (72.6%) and their partners (73.6%) selected CBT-I as their preferred choice for treatment of maternal insomnia, with a high concordance between partners. Correlates of maternal treatment choice included previous use of treatment and partner preference.

Discussion: Findings suggest that pregnant women and their partners prefer CBT-I to pharmacotherapy as a treatment for maternal insomnia. Partners' preference may be an important consideration for women selecting treatment for insomnia. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alberta
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Choice Behavior
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / standards
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Sexual Partners / psychology*
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / prevention & control
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / therapy*