Changes in sleep pattern, sense of time and digital media use during COVID‐19 lockdown in Italy

Abstract

dress this critical situation and to reduce the spread of the infections, the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte signed a series of decrees that imposed restrictions on the movement of individuals in the entire national territory from March 10 until May 3 (but these measures are likely to be extended). People are allowed to leave their homes for limited and documented purposes (e.g., shopping for basic necessities and to go to work [if this cannot be done from home]). Several activities have been temporarily closed, including schools, universities and shops selling non-essential goods. Although these measures and efforts are necessary for reducing pressure on Italian healthcare systems, there are reasons to be concerned because prolonged home confinement during a disease outbreak may affect people's physical and mental health (Wang et al., 2020; World Health Organization, 2020). Home confinement can reduce the level of physical activity and the exposure to daylight, and increase the level of stress due to social isolation (e.g., avoid social contact with family and friends) and the impossibility to engage in satisfying activity. These changes can impact the pace of the flow of time (Zakay, 2014), disrupt night-time sleep (Altena

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