Is ‘Corona Anxiety’ affecting your sleep?
Survey Reveals Covid-19 Having Severe Impact on Sleep
A recent survey carried out by a UK charity highlighted that Covid-19 was having a significant effect on our sleep. Respondents indicated the quality of their sleep was impacted and it was causing problems in their daily life. The Sleep Charity surveyed 2,700 people to gain a sample the current state of the nation’s sleep during Covid-19.
The National Sleep Survey findings revealed
43% of respondents are now finding it harder to fall asleep
Unease around the current Covid situation is affecting sleep for 75% of people
12% of respondents reported experiencing severe symptoms of depression
77% of those taking part indicated that a lack of sleep was interfering with their ability to function in the day with symptoms of fatigue, poor concentration and low mood
The survey stated women are suffering more than men with anxiety around coronavirus, and are twice as likely to report feeling stressed compared to men
People also indicated having more vivid dreams
An occasional bad night sleep may be bearable but if it becomes a regular occurrence that can be more serious. Good sleep is imperative for our mental health and general wellbeing.
46% of participants indicated it was becoming increasingly more difficult to stay asleep
With the adjustments to our lives we have had to make over recent months such as working from home and home schooling many of us have noticed an increase in our stress levels and changes in our sleep pattern.
39% of people are now going to bed later
30% are also waking earlier
We are living in unprecedented times and the ongoing impact of the coronavirus is causing a surge in sleep issues.
Some Sleep Tips
Make sure you spend time outdoors during the day and have regular exercise
No caffeine after 3pm
Don’t nap during the day
While alcohol may help you fall asleep, you are more likely to wake up during the night
Don`t eat too late of an evening
Try having a milky drink before you go to bed
Don’t watch TV to close to bedtime instead try reading in your sitting room or listening to an audio book or the radio
Have a regular bed time routine where you consciously take time to relax
If possible don’t go to bed until you are tired
If your thoughts are troubling during the night and there is nothing you can do about it right away, try writing it down and tell yourself to deal with it tomorrow
If you can’t get to sleep it is important not to lay in bed worrying. Instead get up and do something you find relaxing like reading or listening to quiet music. When you begin to feel tired go back to bed again
Avoid watching the clock
When sleep is problematic it is often helpful to start to monitor your sleep pattern. Record the time you go to bed, when you turn the lights out, when you think you fell asleep, how many times you wake during the night, how long you are awake for, the time you woke up, the time you got out of bed and the quality of your sleep.
If your lack of sleep continues to trouble you seek support from a therapist or your GP.