The Relationship between Sleep Quality and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms among Young Mothers
Abstract: Postpartum mental health is an important area of concern, as changes in sleep patterns during the early period of motherhood may be associated with emotional well-being. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between sleep quality and postpartum depressive symptoms among young mothers. A quantitative correlational research design was adopted. The study included 50 young mothers aged 23-35 years. Data were collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess sleep quality and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to assess postpartum depressive symptoms. Descriptive statistics and Pearson?s product-moment correlation were used to analyse the data. The findings indicated a weak positive relationship between PSQI and EPDS scores (r = 0.269). However, the relationship was not statistically significant (p = 0.059). The findings suggest that although an association was observed between the two variables, the present study did not establish a statistically significant relationship. The findings highlight the importance of continued attention to sleep and psychological well-being among young mothers and provide a basis for further research using larger samples and broader populations.
Keywords: Sleep quality, postpartum depressive symptoms, young mothers, postpartum mental health, PSQI, EPDS
How to Cite?: Rajalakshmi C, "The Relationship between Sleep Quality and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms among Young Mothers", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1830-1833, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26927190456, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26927190456