Exploring the influence of media messaging on sleep during pregnancy : an interview study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract

The influence of popular media on societal perceptions and practices of sleep, particularly during pivotal life stages such as pregnancy, pose a critical area of study due to the potential impact upon maternal health and wellbeing. Traditionally research has predominantly focused upon sleep deficits in pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester and the detrimental health consequences. However, there has been little research considering how sleep messages are disseminated through media discourses and received by pregnant women. This thesis explores how pregnant women both navigate and negotiate sleep discourses perpetuated by online media outlets, aiming to discern the interplay between media influences and internalised experiences. Furthermore, this thesis explores the wider social discourses which may affect pregnant women’s agency and wellbeing across this unique life stage which influence experiences of sleep, and explicit sleep behaviours. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 participants who were currently pregnant with their first baby, were over 18 years of age, and residing in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Reflexive thematic analysis was utilised to analyse the data, and five significant themes were produced, including: disrupted sleep and loss of sleep agency, navigating sleep advice and online media content, internalised pressure and heightened responsibility for sleep health, commercialisation of sleep and the pressure to fix sleep problems, and lastly coping strategies and resistance to sleep messaging. The findings underscore the negative impacts deficit focused media outlets can have in perpetuating sleep discourses upon pregnant women and their internalised experiences of sleep. Subsequently, highlighting the importance of understanding wider discourses which influence women’s agency and wellbeing during their pregnancy. Through critical examination of how women negotiate media representations of sleep in pregnancy, this research contributes insights into the existing literature on digital media and sleep practices. The conclusions drawn, emphasise the imperative for nuanced and supportive media narratives surrounding sleep in pregnancy. Such narratives are crucial in mitigating undue stress upon first time mothers and fostering empowerment among pregnant women to effectively manage their own sleep health.