Struggling with sleep is common for Americans, but the culmination of recent events have made things more difficult. Even as early as March 2020, people around the country have struggled with getting enough sleep. Insomnia is more prevalent, dentists are seeing more cases of bruxism and teeth grinding. Even when the hours are there, sleep quality is often poor.
What’s happening? the COVID-19 pandemic has swept the world and disrupted routines and expectations. Many people don’t realize how reliant we are on having life be predictable and understandable. When those things are taken away, we struggle.
The Coronavirus Affect on Sleep
What is “Coronasomnia”? in a recent BBC report, people are using this phrase to describe the rise in insomnia and sleep issues that are happening due to COVID-19. In Southhampton in the UK, the number of people struggling with insomnia rose from 16% to 25%.
These sleep disorders are especially prevalent among parents, essential workers, and others strongly affected by the coronavirus.
The same trend has been observed in China, Italy, Greece, and other nations. Health and wellness can be significantly affected.
How Life Has Been Disrupted
The disruption is causing a lot of people to struggle? It’s not just staying home. Lack of sleep is happening because daily routines and where we spend time has been completely disrupted. This makes it hard for our circadian rhythms to know what’s going on and can lead to sleepiness at unusual times.
The external cues that rule our days at work, from commutes to breaks to lunch hours, are all gone. Instead, we work where we live, blurring lines between work and daily life.
The Impact of Poor Sleep
Having low-quality sleep, or fewer hours than you need, has a serious impact on your life. Long-term health impacts include anxiety, depression, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It also impacts daily life and work.