Sleep Problems During COVID: A Closer Look at Singapore

The COVID-19 pandemic hit people's mental health hard worldwide, causing a lot of sleep problems like insomnia. This was due to sudden changes in lifestyles, worrying news, and fears of getting sick. A study in Singapore looked into how common insomnia was and what factors may cause it during the first wave of the pandemic. Researchers focused on a diverse group of people living in Singapore. The findings showed that many people were having trouble sleeping. Key factors behind this included age, education, and job type. For example, older people, those with higher education, and essential workers were more likely to have insomnia. The study also highlighted the impact of stress and financial worries. Interestingly, mental health conditions like depression and anxiety played a significant role as well. People with these conditions were more likely to have insomnia. The pandemic introduced new stressors that made an already tough situation worse. Everyone was affected differently though. Some people, like those working from home, might have had better sleep due to fewer commute stressors. The study also pointed out that women were more affected by insomnia compared to men. In conclusion, the pandemic brought about unique challenges that disrupted many people's sleep patterns in Singapore. Understanding these issues can help in finding better ways to support mental health during crises.