Are you suffering from loss of sleep during the pandemic? You may have Coronasomnia

[ASEAN NOW News]

 

Getting a good night’s rest under stressful conditions is hard enough but sleeping well during an ongoing pandemic can feel impossible on some nights. This syndrome even has a name…Coronasomnia!

 

The increase in sleep disturbances is due to increased stress and anxiety that the pandemic has brought on, including the impact of the uncertainty and the constant barrage of information we are exposed to at this time, according to doctors.

 

Bereavement, isolation, loss of income and fear are triggering mental health conditions or exacerbating existing ones.

 

Many people may be facing increased levels of alcohol and drug use, insomnia, and anxiety.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 itself can lead to neurological and mental complications, such as delirium, agitation, and stroke.

 

People with pre-existing mental, neurological or substance use disorders are also more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection ̶ they may stand a higher risk of severe outcomes and even death.

 

If you are having trouble sleeping because of the pandemic, you are not alone.

 

Global issue

 

 

At the start of the lockdowns, people reported an increased or persistent loss of sleep over worry.

 

In the UK, a recent study showed that the number of people experiencing insomnia increased from 1 in 6 to 1 in 4.

In China insomnia rates rose from 14.6% to 20% during the peak lockdown period.

 

2.77 million Google searches

 

Perhaps more telling was that in the first five months of 2020, people across the States made 2.77 million Google searches for “Insomnia.” This was an increase of 58% on the previous three years.

 

Tips from the experts

 

The Sleep Foundation tips states that there are a handful of steps that can promote better sleep during the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Establishing a routine, reserving your bed for sleep, exposure to light, plan your naps, stay active and use relaxation techniques will all help.

 

You can check out their full list of tips at https://www.sleepfoundation.org/

 

However, perhaps the best tip is just to avoid watching or reading the news!

 

Do you have any better suggestions? Please let us know.

 

Note:

“Coronasomnia” is a new term that refers to sleep problems related to the pandemic. With increased stress and anxiety, there is a definite impact on our sleep and mental health, and the best way to combat it is to stick to good sleep hygiene practices.

 

The coronavirus pandemic doesn’t affect everyone in the same way. Of course, patients with the virus and front-line medical workers face the brunt of the direct impacts of the disease. But the consequences — economically, mentally, and emotionally — have spread far and wide, and pose significant barriers to sleep.