Abstract
This empirical study aims to investigate factors associated with insomnia symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in 4,921 Norwegian adults. Participants were queried across two time-points, between March 31st and April the 7th 2020, and between June 22nd and July 13th, 2020. Relevant risk factors and psychological correlates at the first time-point and insomnia symptoms were measured 3 months later, allowing for the investigation of concurrent associations as well as associations across time. Insomnia symptoms were measured with the Bergen Insomnia Scale. The results revealed that individuals reported higher mean levels of insomnia symptoms during the COVID-19 lockdown, compared to pre-pandemic surveys from 2008 (p < 0.0001, Cohen's d = 0.29). Individuals who predominantly socially distanced reported higher mean levels of insomnia symptoms than those who did not predominantly distance. Females, individuals with lower education levels, individuals who had lost their job, and individuals who declared having been diagnosed with an unspecified pre-existing psychiatric disorder reported the most symptoms. The regression model (R2 = 0.44) showed that physical exercise, was associated with less symptoms of insomnia. Symptoms of health Anxiety, symptoms of depression, unhelpful coping strategies, worry about job and economy, and older age were all associated with higher levels of insomnia symptoms. These findings highlight particularly vulnerable subgroups, as well as providing clinicians with key areas of intervention to help individuals suffering from insomnia symptoms.
Highlights
Having to react quickly to prevent the spread of COVID-19, most countries have implemented non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) to impede the disease until a cure could be found, or a vaccine routinely implemented [1]
To test the hypothesis that the COVID-19 pandemic would be associated with an increase in symptoms of insomnia we compared the results of our survey with a sample of Norwegian adults from 2008
Our findings suggest an increase in insomnia symptoms compared to non-pandemic periods, highlighting that the stressing nature accompanied by pandemics is associated with sleep problems
Summary
Having to react quickly to prevent the spread of COVID-19, most countries have implemented non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) to impede the disease until a cure could be found, or a vaccine routinely implemented [1]. These NPIs encompass physical distancing procedures including major lockdowns and restriction of activity in public spheres, stay-at-home orders, closure of school and workplaces, quarantine, and isolation, as well as other social distancing protocols. As the coronavirus spreads around the world, there is an increasing concern that the NPIs are of great importance in combating the virus, the major changes to individual’s everyday life stemming from isolation and social distancing measures may have immediate as well as long lasting consequences for mental health [3]. Several studies suggest that the pandemic has been associated with an increase in insomnia [4, 5].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
