Sleep loss and postpartum fatigue are regarded as some of the most prevalent challenges during the transition into parenthood. Depression, anxiety, stress, poor mood, and less effective parenting behaviours are strongly linked with the severity of postpartum fatigue and sleep loss. Traditionally, the research has tended to focus on mothers, however, fathers also experience similar levels of sleep loss and fatigue during the early parenting period. Whilst disrupted sleep and tiredness are often anticipated, new parents are largely under-prepared for it. Given that fatigue can impact parents’ functioning, it is essential to develop interventions to aid first-time parents in managing and dealing with fatigue and exhaustion during the postpartum period.
This two-study research project aims to increase knowledge and education of positive sleep health and wellbeing practices which in turn will enhance sleep quality and feelings of wellbeing and reduce feelings of tiredness and fatigue during the postpartum period (i.e., up to 6 months postpartum) among first-time parents in Ireland. Guided by the Medical Research Council framework for developing a complex intervention, firstly a qualitative study design will be conducted to identify perceptions, experiences, and attitudes to sleep, fatigue, and wellbeing during the postpartum period among first-time parents and expectant parents. In addition, relevant stakeholders (e.g., HSE (Public Health Nurses), Rotunda Hospital Parent Education, Family Resource Centres) will be asked to give their views on best formats and methods to educate, assist, and inform first-time parents on sleep loss, fatigue, and tiredness during the postpartum period.
Following this, the project will design, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of a bespoke evidence-based intervention to educate first-time parents on positive sleep health and wellbeing practices in the first 6 months postpartum. Parents’ voice will be central at all stages of this research process in order to maximise impact of the research.