Postnatal depression mediates the relationship between infant and maternal sleep disruption and family dysfunction

Abstract Background Previous research has linked family sleep disruption and dysfunction in children; however, the mechanism is unknown. Aims This study examined whether maternal sleep and postnatal depression (PND) mediate the relationship between infant sleep disruption and family dysfunction. Study design and participants Mothers of infants aged 12 months old ( N  = 111; 48% male) completed infant and parent sleep surveys, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Family Assessment Device. Results Poor infant sleep was related to poor maternal sleep, which was associated with higher PND and higher level of family dysfunction. Conclusions Results are consistent with the proposition that identification of both infant and maternal sleep problems during infancy can be relevant to reduction of PND and improved family functioning.