The relationship between perinatal circadian rhythm and postnatal depression: an overview, hypothesis, and recommendations for practice

Abstract Postnatal depression (PND) is an important public health problem with far-reaching consequences for mothers, families, and society. Current treatment approaches tend to focus on the depressive symptoms of mother. We propose need a shift in conceptualisation PND its management, by focusing circadian rhythm as early manifestation mother-infant synchrony. have reviewed relevant interdisciplinary literature formulate hypothesis suggest recommendations practice. hypothesise that, after mother’s becomes ‘desynchronised’ immediately following birth, persistence this disruption implicated development PND. This has implications novel strategies critical vulnerable postnatal period, example use outdoor-based interventions light.