What factors should be assessed to determine sleep hygiene in new parents?

Assessing the number of hours of sleep and frequency of waking is crucial in determining sleep hygiene for new parents because these factors directly reflect their sleep quality and overall well-being. New parents often face unique challenges, including disrupted sleep patterns due to the demands of caring for an infant. Evaluating how many hours they manage to sleep, as well as how frequently they wake during the night, provides insight into the effectiveness of their sleep practices and routines.

Understanding these patterns can help identify areas where improvements could be made to enhance sleep quality. For instance, if a new parent is waking frequently or only sleeping a few hours at a time, strategies could be developed to minimize disturbances, which is vital for both mental and physical health in the perinatal period.

While aspects such as the quality of bedding, physical exercise routines, and dietary habits can influence sleep to some extent, they do not provide the direct indicators of sleep hygiene as effectively as the actual sleep patterns themselves. Addressing the core issues of sleep quantity and disturbances allows for more targeted interventions, such as suggesting adjustments to sleep schedules or creating a more conducive sleep environment.