Changes associate with chronotype, sleep pattern and depression levels among school students during pandemic COVID-19 lockdown and post lockdown online classes

Abstract

Aim: To determine chronotype, daytime sleepiness, sleep quality, and depression level among school students during lockdown and post-lockdown online classes, and how it differed from their offline classes. Methodology: The study was conducted in three phases. The first phase was conducted during April and July 2019, second phase was conducted between 25th April to 23rd May 2020, and the third phase was conducted during July during August 2021. Hundred school students (46 male and 54 female) of age group 14-20 years participated. Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) was used to measure their chronotype, while daytime sleepiness was assessed by Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Pittsburgh’s Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess the sleep quality. Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) was used to determine the depression level. Results: Results showed an increase in the evening type and a decrease in the morning and neither type persons during lockdown and online classes. In addition, higher depression levels, more daytime sleepiness, and poor sleep quality were observed during lockdown and online classes, irrespective of gender. Altogether, study suggests that lockdown and social isolation during post lockdown had a poor mental effect, increased daytime sleepiness, and poor sleep quality in school students. Interpretation: These findings would help in planing policies on the interventions on sleep, circadian rhythms, and stress management to maintain a healthy sleep-wake cycle and daily routine during social isolation. Key words: Daytime sleepiness, Depression, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, Pittsburgh’s Sleep Quality Index