Sleeping Through the Pandemic: How Lockdowns Changed Our Rest

During the COVID-19 pandemic, staying at home meant big changes in how people slept, especially in busy cities like Mexico City. A recent study looked at how much and how well people slept during the lockdown. This study was done by asking adults in the city to fill out an online survey between June 2020 and February 2021. The study found that people were sleeping more hours, but the quality of their sleep was worse. On average, people slept about 7. 43 hours a night, which is a bit more than before the pandemic. But, many people, especially young adults and women, were going to bed and waking up later than usual. The study also found that people's sleep quality got worse. This was measured using a tool called the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, which showed that sleep quality dropped by 1. 4 units. People who had poor sleep quality during the lockdown were often those who had unhealthy lifestyles. Insomnia symptoms, which are trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, also went up. This was especially true for women. Men and people without long-term health issues were less likely to have poor sleep quality. However, people who smoked or went to bed late were more likely to have trouble sleeping. The study shows that while people were sleeping more, they were not sleeping well. This was especially true for young adults, women, and those with unhealthy lifestyles. These findings could help create better sleep health programs for different groups of people. It's important to note that sleep is crucial for our overall health. Poor sleep can lead to many health problems, including mental health issues. During the pandemic, many people had to deal with stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. These factors can all affect how well we sleep. The study also highlights the importance of lifestyle choices. People who had unhealthy lifestyles, like smoking or going to bed late, were more likely to have poor sleep quality. This shows that making healthy choices can improve our sleep and overall health. The study also raises questions about how we can support people's sleep health during times of crisis. With more people working from home and dealing with stress, it's important to find ways to help people sleep better. This could include creating better sleep routines, reducing stress, and promoting healthy lifestyles. The study also shows that sleep health is not just about getting enough sleep. It's also about the quality of our sleep. Even if we're sleeping more hours, if the quality is poor, it can still affect our health. This is something to think about as we continue to deal with the effects of the pandemic and other crises.