Stress and sleep: impact of the main contributing factors to poor sleep experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. (1st June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ionescu, T.; Zaharia, S.; Minecan, E.; Tudose, C.
• Is Part Of: European psychiatry. Volume 65:Supplement 1(2022)
• Page Start: S516
• Page End: S516
• Publication Date: 2022-06-01
• Subjects: Sleep quality -- Insomnia -- Covid-19; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.1314
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0924-9338

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: The COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic is associated with several stressful factors that can negatively affect peoples' sleep quality and mental health. Objectives: The aim of the current study was to prospectively identify decreased sleep quality and associated risk factors in general population during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted a prospective, observational online study on a Romanian sample of 667 respondents aged >18 years. Sleep quality and quantity was evaluated with Athens Insomnia scale (AIS) and the main concerns associated with the pandemic context were evaluated through a multiple-choice question. Results: The data collected identified important evidence regarding the prevalence and intensity of insomnia. The average score for AIS was 6.13 (cut-off point for was set at 8). However, it is worth noting that 179 respondents (26.8%) meet the criteria for insomnia. Of the 8 self-assessment items, daytime sleepiness was the criterion evaluated with the highest average score (1.01), all other items getting subunit values. A low quality of sleep was linearly related with fear of illness/death (p=0.053), fear of illness/death of close people (p=0.032), social isolation (p<0.001), economic impact (p=0.003), losing the job (p<0.001) and social stigma associated with COVID-19 infection (p=0.009). Conclusions: More than a qurter of respondes scored above the threshold of 8 at the insomnia scale, while losing the job, social stigma associated with COVID-19 infection and social isolation are the main risk factors for a low quality and quantity of sleep. Disclosure: No significant relationships.