International study on Covid-19’s effects on sleep

An international group of researchers led by Professor Colin Espie from the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Oxford is investigating the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on sleep and daily rhythms in adults.

Sleep is at the heart of physical and mental health. It is essential for tissue repair, cell regeneration, immune functioning, memory functioning and consolation, and for the regulation of daytime emotion. When people are sleep deprived or develop a persistent sleep disorder, the consequences include loss of energy, sleepiness, impaired concentration and memory, and disturbed mood. Inadequate sleep has been associated with increased risk of hypertension and type 2 diabetes, and risk of developing anxiety or depression.

This study will look at changes in sleep quality in relation to social confinement such as a national lockdown or self-isolation, risk of exposure to the virus, and psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Researchers aim to understand how sleep problems have emerged, and to investigate how sleep during Covid-19 has interacted with lifestyle, health and wellbeing.

Professor Espie says: ‘Particularly in times of high stress and disrupted daily routines, sleep is all the more important for our health and overall wellbeing. Sufficient good quality sleep helps us cope, so it’s worrying to see trends of poor sleep during this pandemic. We are hoping to study this development in more detail with this nationwide survey. I’m delighted to be leading this initiative. The results from this study will help us not only understand the challenges, but also to figure out solutions to keep the population well-slept and healthy.’

Click here to learn more or take part in the study.