Women Face Higher Risk of Pain and Sleep Disorders Post C-section

Women who deliver through cesarean section (C-section) are at an elevated risk of developing sleep disorders and having persistent pain and post-childbirth, according to new findings presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 annual meeting. Researchers used qualitative interviews and large-scale quantitative data analyses to understand these outcomes better. In interviews with 41 mothers, severe pain affecting sleep and daily functioning was reported by 73% of those who had planned C-sections and 67% with unplanned C-sections, compared with only 8% among those with vaginal deliveries.

Records from more than 1.5 million women who gave birth between 2008 and 2021 were analyzed. It was found that within a year after delivery, mothers who had C-sections were found to be 16% more likely to receive a new diagnosis of a sleep condition, such as sleep deprivation, insomnia,  or obstructive sleep apnea, compared with those who delivered vaginally. Dr. Takenoshita highlighted the importance of managing pain and getting sufficient rest during postpartum recovery. If ignored, pain can interfere with sleep and cause fatigue, difficulties with memory and concentration, and even postpartum depression. To support better recovery, it is suggested that new mothers should do light physical activity, rest whenever the baby sleeps, and limit caffeine or alcohol later in the day.

With nearly one in three births in the United States now occurring by C-section, the findings underscore the need for greater awareness of postoperative pain and sleep health. Discussing these challenges with healthcare providers can help new mothers recover more comfortably and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Reference:

American Society of Anesthesiologists. C-Section Births Linked to Sleepless Nights and Painful Recoveries [Internet]. ScienceDaily; 2025 Oct 13 [cited 2025 Oct 22]. Available from: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040331.htm