Effects of Home Confinement on Sleep Quality, Weight Change and Eating Habits during COVID-19 Outbreak among Adults

Abstract

Background: Many countries have implemented governmental social distancing measures and home confinement during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, causing significant changes to people’s daily routines. Aim of the study:1) compare sleep quality and eating habits before and during confinement, 2) report the prevalence of poor sleep quality and weight change, and 3) study the association between sleep quality and eating habits. Methods: This cross-sectional study used an online questionnaire from April 2020 to July 2020. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants were asked about weight change during confinement, the number of meals, and eating habits. Results: 368 participants (281 women, 87 men) from Saudi Arabia were included. COVID-19-related home confinement led to an increase in global PSQI scores (P < 0.001). The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 70% and 33% for increased weight during confinement. This negatively affected eating habits, except for eating out, which significantly decreased during detention (P < 0.001). A significant association was observed between one and three main meals and sleep quality during confinement; poorer sleep quality was associated with fewer main meals. Conclusion: COVID-19 home confinement has negatively hurt sleep quality, weight, and eating habits, which are significant determinants of health. Therefore, increased awareness of these factors during this period is essential.