NEW mothers who get less than six hours' sleep a night face an increased risk of postnatal depression.

Strong links between sleep deprivation and depressive symptoms in new mothers were found in a review of more than 100 international studies.

A lack of sleep could make them feel sad, tired and unable to concentrate, Australian researcher Kerry Thomas told the Australian Psychological Society’s annual conference in Canberra yesterday.

"Women whose babies wake several times during the night have a greater risk of developing depression, and that’s both at four weeks postpartum and eight weeks postpartum stage," she said.

"Women who receive less than six hours of sleep a night in a 24-hour period also have an increased risk of developing depression."

About 16 per cent of Australian women are believed to develop postnatal depression, also known as the "baby blues", after giving birth.

Ms Thomas, a research student at the University of Canberra, said there was growing evidence that sleep problems were related to the development of depression generally.

Ms Thomas said for many women sleep problems could begin in pregnancy and last for several months after the birth.

She said community-based residential units were often effective in relieving symptoms of depression by helping new mothers find ways to settle their babies.

"It’s not a cure (for their depression), but the mum does start to feel better," Ms Thomas said.

"when you have children in the home it’s not just a matter of getting more sleep, it’s a strategy.

"you have to negotiate sleep and plan for sleep, which you didn’t have to do before you had children," she said.

Ms Thomas plans to follow up her research by recruiting 60 new mothers next year to study their sleep patterns for up to a year after their babies are born.

The researcher will examine their stages of sleep and monitor any symptoms of depression.

Eleven percent  of pregnant women will suffer some degree of Postpartum Depression (PPD), according to the American Pregnancy Association. Statistics show that over half of new mothers experience some type of mood disorder. Typically, the baby blues, characterized by low energy, sadness or irritability, last for only short periods of time. PPD, however, lasts longer and causes more intense symptoms, even to the point of Postpartum Psychosis.

Postpartum Psychosis

Massachusett’s General Hospital Center for Women’s Mental Health says, “It may be useful to conceptualize these disorders as existing along a continuum, where postpartum blues is the mildest and postpartum psychosis the most severe form of postpartum psychiatric illness.”

Only 1 to 2 out of 1000 mothers will experience Post Partum Psychosis. Usually beginning within the first few days following childbirth, symptoms are severe. UNC School of Medicine says, “Often mothers who develop postpartum psychosis are having a severe episode of a mood disorder, usually bipolar (manic-depression) disorder with psychotic features.” Those experiencing Post Partum Psychosis often suffer delusions and suicidal or homicidal thoughts.

Postpartum Depression Symptoms

While not as severe, Postpartum Depression usually occurs within the first month after childbirth. Symptoms include emotional extremes, feelings of inadequacy, intense sadness, or worthlessness; a change from interest in activities to lack of interest; a change in appetite or sleeping patterns (beyond the change due to nighttime feedings); the inability to concentrate; unwarranted worry about the baby; even thoughts of suicide. Postpartum Depression is marked by a lack of energy, both physical and mental.

Postpartum Anxiety

Postpartum Anxiety Symptoms frequently accompany Postpartum Depression. Feelings of dread and doom overwhelm and dominate the emotional spectrum.  According to UNC School of Medicine, Postpartum Anxiety symptoms include “panic attacks, hyperventilation, repeated thoughts or images of frightening things happening to the baby, excessive worry and restless sleep.” there is no energy for physical activity but seemingly endless and agitated mental energy for worrying and imagining worst-case scenarios.

Postpartum Depression Treatment

Postpartum Depression Treatment includes a combination of talk therapy and medication. A physician may prescribe anti-depressants, anti-anxiety or anti-psychotic medications. Hormone therapy may be indicated. Breast-feeding mothers will want to consult with their doctor about the medications most apt to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby.

Postpartum Support

According to Katherine Stone in “Postpartum Depression by the Numbers,” more women suffer from Postpartum Depression than are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, yet fewer people know about PPD. Talking with other mothers who suffer in a PPD support group or one-on-one with a professional can reduce stress, helping the mother access ongoing support and develop coping skills.

Postpartum Exercise

Postpartum Exercise can also reduce stress. University of Michigan Health System says to exercise according to your physical shape in the days after childbirth. Any combination of exercise—walking, stretching or weight lifting, for example—for 30 minutes a day contributes not only to physical health but to mental health as well. MayoClinic.com says, “Your body will even release endorphins, natural painkillers that promote an increased sense of well-being.”