Effects of Herbal Tea on Postpartum Sleep Quality

Background: Postpartum sleep disorder is a significant problem for postnatal women. Although influence factors that might predispose postnatal women to sleep disorder have been identified, few studies are made to test its intervention protocols. Aim: This study aimed to test the effects of herbal tea on postpartum sleep quality. Methods: A total of 120 normal postnatal women were randomly assigned to the experimental group I (n = 40), experimental group II (n = 40), or the control group (n = 40). The participants in experimental group I drank German chamomile tea and experimental group II drank Lavender tea respectively for two weeks. Outcome measures include Postpartum Sleep Quality Scale (PSQS), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Postpartum Fatigue Scale (PFS), and Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ). All the participants completed the Demographic Dada Form and pre-tests, 38 participants in German chamomile tea group, 35 in Lavender tea group, and 38 in control group completed the 2-week post-tests. 34 participants in German chamomile tea group, 35 in Lavender tea group, and 37 in control group completed the 4-week post-tests. Results: Postnatal women drinking 2-week Lavender tea showed significant effects on postpartum fatigue, depressive symptom, and bonding with infant. Postnatal women drank 2-week German chamomile tea could significantly improve physical symptoms-related sleep inefficiency and depressive symptom; the effects of German chamomile tea on improving depressive symptom can be extended over two weeks.