People around the world have now been living in a state of caution and fear for over a year, with hopes that the pandemic would end and life would return to normal, becoming vulnerable to a range of stressors. These stressors include financial insecurity, food insecurity, social isolation, and anxiety, among others. As a result, insomnia is a prevalent issue that people are experiencing all over the world, brought on by the stress of living in such uncertain times.
The lockdown has affected how we sleep in various ways. For most people, the lockdown meant that their routines were disrupted, and their daily schedules were altered, which resulted in irregular sleep patterns. Additionally, many people are spending more time indoors, leading to lack of exposure to sufficient sunlight, for many people, resulting in reduced physical exercise and activity, which leads to less exhaustion and an inability to sleep. With the increased availability of food and alcohol, people tend to binge more, leading to inconsiderable weight gain.
The stress and anxiety resulting from the lockdown have significantly affected people’s ability to sleep. The fear of losing loved ones, the stress of adapting to new lifestyles, job insecurity, and financial challenges have contributed to the disruption of people’s sleep. Furthermore, the constant exposure to news regarding the pandemic, and the uncertainty about the duration of the pandemic, have heightened people’s anxiety levels and contributed to their inability to fall or stay asleep.
Insomnia has adverse effects on a person’s physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. People who have insomnia tend to feel irritable, depressed, and have of anxiety. Additionally, they tend to have a lower immune system, reduced psychomotor performance, and difficulty in concentration, resulting in decreased productivity. Even worse, lack of sleep can lead to severe health problems, such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and even obesity.
Fortunately, there are ways to help manage insomnia during lockdown. Firstly, it is essential to establish a routine that balances productivity and relaxation. One should allocate specific times for their activities, including sleeping, eating, exercising, and other work-related activities. This will help create increased predictability, stability, and provided a sense of control over what is within their purview.
Secondly, people should avoid exposure to excessive news and social media. This is because constantly updating oneself with such information leads to anxiety and stress, further contributing to insomnia. Minimizing such stressors allows one to be able to relax, and to be in the right mindset to rest.
Thirdly, incorporating relaxation techniques into one’s daily routine can also be helpful. Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help calm and relax the body and mind, preparing one to rest.
In conclusion, the lockdown has resulted in various challenges, including insomnia, which has had significant effects on people’s lives. By following the above steps, an individual can take the necessary precautions to deal with insomnia and improve their quality of sleep. To further recover from the effects of the pandemic on sleeplessness, help from therapists, and engaging in outdoor activities, among others, are other options worth exploring.