‘Sleep and emotions: How much are they affected by confinement due to COVID-19? A longitudinal study’

Abstract

Objective Our aim is to study changes in sleep and emotions in Spanish population during the confinement period due to first wave of COVID-19. Methods A total of 363 adults (69.4% women) aged between 18 and 65 (Mage = 32.59; SD = 12.57) participated in the study. Socio-demographics, sleep quality and emotional experience were evaluated. The study was longitudinal: a first data collection was developed after 15 d of confinement (asking for a subjective comparison with the pre-confined period), and a second collection after 30 d. Results Results suggest differences in sleep quality depending on the time confined. Difficulty falling asleep increases and daytime activity decreases with longer confined periods. Morning fatigue, sleepiness and nightmares are reduced significantly after 15 d of confinement when compared with the subjective data from pre-confinement. After 15 d of confinement participants felt higher levels of apathy, sadness, irritability and lower levels of euphoria and joy than they remember feeling before confinement. Anxiety, concern and fear seem to increase at 15 d of confinement and decrease at 30 d. Sleep quality and emotional experiences in confinement are closely correlated. Conclusions The confinement in Spain worsened the emotional state and changed sleep habits, although it did not necessarily worsen the quality of sleep. Key points There are differences in sleep quality depending on the time spent in confinement. Confinement situation is related with higher levels of apathy, sadness, and irritability and lower levels of euphoria and joy. Anxiety, concern and fear seem to increase at 15 d of confinement and then decrease at 30 d. Sleep quality and emotional experiences in confinement are closely correlated. After COVID-19, there is a remarkable need of attend the disturbances emerged in sleep habits and daily moods of general popunlation.