These last eight months have brought about a lot of changes in everyone’s lives, including how we work, interreact and communicate. One major difference many Americans have seen is in their sleeping patterns. It is not your imagination; this pandemic is messing up your sleep. But there is something you can do about it.
Insomnia from Stress
Stress, anxiety and fear from the coronavirus are taking their toll on everyone. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation report completed in the midst of the pandemic, 53% of adults in the United States reported that their mental health had been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the coronavirus.
The number one cause of insomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep, is stress.
According to Michael Perlis, director of the behavioral sleep medicine program and associate professor in the department of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, “We’re likely to see a lot more insomnia because there are a lot of people whose quality of life and way of life is fundamentally threatened.”
When falling asleep, the body transitions from awake to relaxed when in a “slower state.” Stress makes this more challenging, as instead of slowing down it speeds up the body, making your heart beat faster.
Treatment
Try tracking your stress and anxiety to identify the causes and help take control of your mental and emotional health. While it is important to stay informed, try to resist consuming too much news, especially before bedtime. Instead, take this time to unwind after a long day and participate in activities you enjoy.
Change in Sleep Schedule
This pandemic has thrown everyone’s routine out the window. People are now going to bed later, sleeping in longer and taking naps in the middle of the day. Getting too little sleep can be problematic, but so can getting too much.
Treatments
Get yourself back on track, as an inconsistent sleep schedule can cause a lot of problems. Try sticking to a strict bedtime, and avoid sleeping in just because you have the time.
According to the CDC, avoiding large meals, caffeine and alcohol before bed can help you stick to your scheduled bedtime.
To learn more about improving your sleep as this pandemic drags on or to schedule an appointment with a sleep professional, contact Texas ENT & Allergy today.
