Sleep, Dreams, and Nightmares During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the sleep and dreams of many individuals. Some have experienced improvements, while others have had more complaints. The changes to daily life such as working from home and spending more time indoors in confinement may have disturbed the circadian rhythms of some individuals. There were many reports of a shift towards a later bedtime during the pandemic, with several studies showing that in general, females experienced worse sleep than males, including more nighttime awakenings and nightmares. Increased dream and nightmare frequency during the pandemic has been shown in multiple studies. It has been postulated that because dreams are often guided by the dominant emotional state, that dreams and nightmares related to pandemic themes are a result of specific stressors related to COVID-19. Those experiencing unwanted sleep disturbances and nightmares could stand to benefit from mindfulness and relaxation practices that can ease stress and anxiety before bedtime. Striving to maintain a regular sleep schedule and enhance exposure to daylight–particularly during the first half of the day–may also be helpful.

Sleep During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Circadian misalignment, developed during the pandemic, could explain the aforementioned sleep disturbances. Lockdown and atypical work/school schedules resulted in reduced sunlight exposure and daily physical activity [ 52 ••, 77 ]. Additionally, increased screen time (i.e., increased use of smartphones and social media) has been shown to impair the secretion of melatonin [ 77 ].…”

“…Lockdown and atypical work/school schedules resulted in reduced sunlight exposure and daily physical activity [ 52 ••, 77 ]. Additionally, increased screen time (i.e., increased use of smartphones and social media) has been shown to impair the secretion of melatonin [ 77 ]. The flexibility of work/school schedule could allow individuals to sleep more in synchrony with their circadian tendency, promoting greater circadian alignment.…”

“…On the other hand, the greater flexibility during the pandemic disrupted their sleep schedule, promoting circadian misalignment. Therefore, their circadian rhythm might have been disrupted, leading to sleep disorders [ 52 ••, 77 ]. Furthermore, people were extensively exposed to stressful situations during the pandemic.…”

Knowing Well, Being Well: well-being born of understanding: Shifts in Health Behaviors Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Drs. Kennedy 6 and Grander outline how the pandemic resulted in changes to sleep patterns and quality including atypical work schedules, increased screen time, and pandemic-related stress. Their review found evidence that the pandemic has resulted in later bed times and more sleeping hours.…”

Shifts in Health Behaviors Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…4,5 Drs. Kennedy 6 and Grander outline how the pandemic resulted in changes to sleep patterns and quality including atypical work schedules, increased screen time, and pandemic-related stress. Their review found evidence that the pandemic has resulted in later bed times and more sleeping hours.…”