The effect of music on pregnancy-related insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Pregnancy is associated with physical, physiological and hormonal changes, that significantly influence sleep. Pregnancy-related insomnia is associated with a higher risk of complications during pregnancy and labor as well as postpartum depression. Music is widely used to promote sleep, as it is easily accessible, non-pharmacological and without side effects, but the effect of music-listening for pregnancy-related insomnia is unclear.

Methods

Eight electronic databases were searched for RCTs investigating the effect of music listening on pregnant women with insomnia. Two researchers independently screened the identified studies for eligibility and post-intervention data were extracted. We assed risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment (RoB1). A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to assess changes in subjective sleep quality following a music-based intervention compared to controls.

Results

Four RCTs (348 participants) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Music interventions significantly reduced sleep problems (MD -1.38, 95 % CI -2.56 to -0.19; p = 0.02) compared to no treatment or treatment as usual. Since it is not possible to blind participants to the music interventions, all the studies were rated with high risk of bias in at least one domain.

Conclusion

This review suggests that listening to music at bedtime may improve sleep quality in pregnant women with symptoms of insomnia, but more studies are needed to fully establish the effect.