Exploring the Triadic Relationship: Diet, Sleep, and Postpartum Depression in Breastfeeding Women

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a critical public health concern affecting maternal mental health globally, particularly among lactating mothers. Emerging research indicates that dietary habits and sleep quality interact closely with depressive symptoms during the postpartum period. Objective: To evaluate the association between dietary habits, sleep quality, and postpartum depression among lactating women aged 18–40 years in Lahore, Pakistan. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted over three months at Farooq Group of Hospitals, Lahore. A total of 157 breastfeeding mothers were selected via convenience sampling. Dietary practices were evaluated using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), depression severity was measured with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Version 22 using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests of association. Results: Participants had a mean age of 27.69 \pm 5.52 years. A highly statistically significant association was observed between depression severity and sleep disturbances (p < 0.001), with severe depression linked to severe sleep problems. Statistically significant associations were also found between depression levels and consumption frequencies of cereals, rice, vegetables, fruits, eggs, chicken, meat, legumes, nuts, oils, seafood, sweets, fried foods, soft drinks, processed foods, junk food, and spreads (p < 0.05). Milk intake showed no statistically significant association (p = 0.065). Higher depression severity was characterized by greater consumption of energy-dense/processed foods and irregular or lower intake of nutrient-dense foods. Conclusion: Postpartum depression is significantly associated with poor sleep quality and processed, energy-dense dietary patterns. Incorporating sleep management and dietary strategies into routine postpartum care may help alleviate PPD symptoms and enhance maternal well-being.