COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected our lives in many aspects— a health crisis, economic problems, unemployment, political ideologies, and more. Its effects have contributed to eliciting disorders like stress, anxiety, and depression. Research shows that disorders rooted in the impact of today’s crisis can affect sleep patterns. Thus, sleep is an emerging problem we are facing amid the outbreak.

With this, the Delex Pharma through its ICU Forum has conducted a webinar concerning sleep during the pandemic. It aims to educate and bring awareness among individuals experiencing sleep disorders like insomnia. More than a thousand pharmacists, nurses, anesthesiologists, and physicians had spared their time to learn regarding one of the latest casualties of the COVID-19 crisis—SLEEP!

During the webinar, Dr. Reodica discussed some of the impacts of the pandemic contributing to sleep disorders. Let us guide you through the facts below:

ANXIETY AND WORRY

Our current situation has brought fears among us. We are worried about getting infected with the virus. Most of us are bothered by the health conditions of our loved ones who are susceptible to contracting the disease. Financial stability is also a concern as the unemployment rate in our country continues to toll. Moreover, we are uncertain when the coronavirus disease ends. These instances are among the leading causes of anxiety during this setback. Fear is a natural response to threats. However, it is one of the reasons for stimulating insomnia.

DISRUPTION OF DAILY LIFE

Our lifestyle has been transformed into what we call the “new normal.” As much as safety is concerned, social distancing is strictly implemented in public. The crisis has also stopped us from enjoying the outdoor activities. Furthermore, work-from-home has been imposed due to lockdown and quarantine protocols. In some cases, we lose track of time in our sleep patterns. We have no motivation to follow our sleep schedule we use to observe. Sleeping and waking too late have now become a new unhealthy routine that we are doing.

EXCESSIVE SCREEN TIME

Most of us tend to use our spare time watching movies and browsing on social media or the internet to entertain ourselves. Our curiosity about the COVID-19 daily updates has also triggered us to stay overtime watching the news and checking details in online platforms. These practices are considered unhealthy. Also, excessive screen time affects your sleep hygiene because of the (blue) light illuminating from your cell phones and laptops.

FAMILY AND WORK STRESS

The unpredicted shift to remote working during COVID-19 aroused stressors among us. We have brought home the work problems, which also affected our family interactions. It has resulted in clashes between the balance of our work and home lives that most of us have never experienced.

DEPRESSION AND ISOLATION

The manifestation of depression and isolation is becoming a threat to some individuals amid this plight. A lot of us are alone and separated from our loved ones. Life can seem overwhelmingly hard and hopeless to others while struggling with adversity. Along with the daily onslaught of bad news, are the unfortunate deaths who succumb to coronavirus disease. These cases developed depression in many of us.

All of these stress-related fatigues have an impact on our sleep. Watch the video above to know more about this topic.