Abstract
This study compared cross-sectional data from online surveys describing the sleep behavior of infants and caregivers in March 2020 (the school closure period during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic; n = 295, 23.8 ± 3.8 months old) and March 2019 (before the pandemic; n = 2017, 24.2 ± 3.8 months old). In comparing those two points in time, no significant differences were found in wake-up times (2019: 7:19 ± 0:46 am vs. 2020: 7:18 ± 0:47 am, p = 0.289), bedtimes (21:01 ± 0:48 pm vs. 21:04 ± 0:53 pm, p = 0.144), or nocturnal sleep times (593.7 ± 43.9 min vs. 588.1 ± 50.3 min, p = 0.613). Regarding the caregivers, in 2020, wake-up times (2019: 6:46 ± 0:50 am vs. 2020: 6:39 ± 0:50 am, p = 0.017) and bedtimes (22:53 ± 1:17 pm vs. 22:42 ± 1:04 pm, p = 0.016) became significantly earlier compared to 2019. Among infants staying at home, total sleep time and percentage of outdoor play decreased significantly, and media use increased significantly in 2020. Lower levels of exercise and more frequent media viewing may have caused prolonged sleep latency in these children. The percentage of caregivers responding with “negative childcare feelings” was significantly higher in the group with less than three nursery school attendance days. Caregivers and infants staying at home are a high-risk group during the pandemic.
Highlights
The spread of the novel and infectious coronavirus, which was first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, continues to date
This study examined the lifestyle of caregivers and any pre- and post-COVID-19 changes as caregivers’ lifestyles significantly influence the sleep of Japanese children [22]
No significant difference was found in the ages of the caregivers between the two years (Table 1)
Summary
The spread of the novel and infectious coronavirus (hereinafter, “COVID-19”), which was first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, continues to date. On 12 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the spread of COVID-19 a pandemic [1]. On 28 January 2020, the Japanese government issued a decree declaring COVID-19 an infectious disease [2]. The government further request for nationwide school closure on 27. February, which significantly changed the overall lives of Japanese citizens. In terms of the environment surrounding young children, some nursery schools and kindergartens were closed or shortened their schooling hours, in conjunction with the government’s call for school closure [3]. The employment situation of the primary caregivers of the children changed significantly; many engaged in remote work, experienced stagger office hours, received leaves of absence, and/or had their jobs terminated.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
