Background: Maternal perinatal major depressive disorder (MDD) may increase the risk of sleep disorders in offspring; however, evidence regarding clinically diagnosed sleep disorders in children is limited. This study aimed to examine the association between maternal perinatal MDD and sleep disorders in offspring.

Methods: We conducted a population-based cohort study using linked administrative health data from New South Wales, Australia. Maternal perinatal MDD (F32.0–F33.9) and offspring sleep disorders, including organic (G47.0–G47.9) and non-organic (F51.0–F51.9) types, were identified using ICD-10-AM codes. Associations were estimated using generalised linear models, and risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.

Results: Children of mothers with antenatal MDD had a 30% higher risk of sleep disorders (RR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.10–1.55), rising to 57% for postnatal MDD (RR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.32–1.87). Associations were stronger for nonorganic sleep disorders, with more than a twofold increase for antenatal MDD (RR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.57–3.38) and over a threefold increase for postnatal MDD (RR = 3.54; 95% CI: 2.68–4.70).

Conclusions: Exposure to maternal perinatal MDD is associated with an increased risk of sleep disorders in offspring, with the strongest associations observed for non-organic sleep disorders. Early identification and management of maternal depression may help reduce the risk of sleep disturbances in children.

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