Poor sleep aggravates psychological distress in couples receiving fertility treatments

Poor sleep quality is common among couples undergoing fertility treatment and may be a contributing factor for psychological distress and negative pregnancy outcomes, a recent study has found.

The study included 163 women and 132 partners who were receiving fertility treatment, such as in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Sleep was assessed at three timepoints using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results showed a mean global score of 8.1, with 91.1 percent of participants scoring >5, suggesting poor sleep overall.

Psychological distress was quantified by the Copenhagen Multicentre Psychosocial Infertility (COMPI) scale, the Beck Depression Index (BDI), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Mean scores for the corresponding batteries were 16.5, 10.0, and 37.3. Mixed linear models confirmed that PSQI scores were significantly correlated with both anxiety and depression, but not with COMPI fertility-related distress.

Compared with PSQI-determined good sleepers, fewer poor sleepers and very poor sleepers became pregnant at the final follow-up. However, such differences failed to reach significance even after adjusting for confounders. The mean PSQI scores for women who did vs did not get pregnant were likewise statistically similar (8.1 vs 8.4; p=0.52).

“Success rates after fertility treatment remain moderate, and poor sleep quality, a potentially modifiable factor, could be relevant to screen for and treat among couples undergoing fertility treatment,” the researchers said. “The high prevalence of poor sleep quality calls for further investigation.”