Music Therapy for Pregnancy Insomnia: A Promising New Approach
Pregnancy is a time of great excitement and anticipation, but it can also be a time of significant changes and challenges. One common issue many expectant mothers face is insomnia. Sleep difficulties during pregnancy can have a negative impact on both the mother’s well-being and the baby’s health.
Fortunately, new research suggests that music therapy could be a promising solution for pregnant women struggling with insomnia.
The study included 98 women who were at least 25 weeks pregnant and reported poor sleep quality. Participants were randomly assigned to either the Music and Sleep Hygiene (MSH) group (n = 50) or the Sleep Hygiene (SH) group (n = 48). Participants in the MSH group received standard sleep hygiene advice and were instructed to listen to 30 minutes of music at bedtime for 4 weeks. The SH group received only sleep hygiene advice, including tips such as maintaining a consistent sleep-wake schedule, limiting caffeine and nicotine intake, and promoting light exposure during the day. The primary outcomes measured were sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and insomnia severity using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI).
Pregnant women may experience insomnia | image credti: Ninoshik – stock.adobe.com
Of the 98 participants, post-intervention measurements were completed by 62% in the MSH group and 80% in the SH group. Both groups reported a significant improvement in sleep quality and a reduction in insomnia symptoms. The mean PSQI change was -2.10 (95% CI, -3.27 to -0.93; P P P = .007).
Music Therapy Shows Promise
The study found that both groups experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and reduced insomnia symptoms. The MSH group, which received music therapy in addition to sleep hygiene advice, did show slightly better outcomes.
Approximately 50% to 60% of pregnant women suffer from insomnia, which has been linked to adverse outcomes for both mother and child,2 including “longer labor times, an increased inflammatory response, glucose intolerance, elevated perception of pain during labor, and premature birth.”
The interventions tested in this study offer an alternative to pharmaceutical treatments, which are often avoided during pregnancy.1 “Behavioral interventions like sleep hygiene instructions and music listening are low-cost and safe. They can be implemented in midwife practice or used as a self-help strategy during pregnancy,” the researchers noted, suggesting that music interventions could be easily integrated into clinical practice.
Limitations and Future Research
While these findings are encouraging, the study does have some limitations.
However, the trial has several limitations that warrant consideration. The sample size was relatively small, with only 98 participants, and there was significant attrition, particularly in the MSH group, where only 62% completed postintervention measurements compared to 80% in the SH alone group. The study’s online format, while allowing for wider accessibility, may have affected participant engagement and adherence to interventions. The significant discrepancy in adherence to sleep hygiene between the 2 groups makes it challenging to isolate the specific effects of music vs sleep hygiene.
Reference:
- Hoegholt NF, Krænge CE, Vuust P, Kringelbach M, Jespersen KV. Music and sleep hygiene interventions for pregnancy-related insomnia: an online randomized controlled trial. J Midwifery Womens Health. Published online October 17, 2024.doi:10.1111/jmwh.13699
- Chang JJ, Pien GW, Duntley SP, Macones GA. Sleep deprivation during pregnancy and maternal and fetal outcomes: is there a relationship? Sleep Med Rev. 2010;14(2):107-114. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2009.05.001
Ready to Improve Your Sleep?
If you’re struggling with insomnia during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about whether music therapy or other sleep hygiene techniques might be right for you. Prioritizing your sleep can have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being during this special time.