HOW COVID HAS CHANGED the way we sleep

IF THE PANDEMIC IS KEEPING YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT, YOU’RE NOT ALONE

Getting enough shut-eye has a huge impact on our health and wellbeing. While we’re supposed to get seven to nine hours a night, pandemic stresses mean some of us are falling short.

“There is growing research that shows the average amount of sleep a typical adult has each night has fallen to 6.5 hours, ” Dr Andrew Thompson from Instantscripts says.

EFFECTS OF STRESS

“Stress and anxiety are often directly correlated with sleep quality,” explains Dr Thompson. “Poor sleep can exacerbate anxiety and other mental health issues which in turn cause further problems with sleep, resulting in a vicious cycle for some.”

NEW ROUTINES

Many of us have experienced upheavals in our daily lives, but it’s important to maintain regular sleep and wake times.

“Those who don’t can find themselves less energised and more fatigued during the day,” says Dr Thompson. “Others may find it difficult to maintain quality sleep at night.”

Snoozing too much can also be an issue. “Oversleeping can leave people feeling foggy and unfocused,” he adds.

WHAT CAN I DO?

“It is important to focus on sleep hygiene, which includes maintaining regular sleep and wake times, aiming for eight hours each night, limiting screen time or reading a book before bed, or trying medications such as melatonin, to help normalise sleep patterns,” Dr Thompson

advises. Regular mealtimes and exercise, along with exposure to natural light – ideally during the day – and limiting exposure to light at night can also be beneficial.

“Finally, it is important to keep the bed reserved for sleep,” Dr Thompson says. “This helps the mind associate going to bed with sleeping rather than watching movies or playing games on a laptop.”

If you’re still struggling, Instantscripts’ Why Am I Tired? test analyses your iron levels, electrolytes, fasting glucose, vitamin B12 and kidney function – which can all impact sleep. Visit instantscripts.com.au for info.