“Don’t lose any sleep over it.” That wise old adage takes on serious new significance in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, when the goal of getting quality rest becomes more important—yet more challenging—than ever.
“Everyone seems to be worried about something—their health and that of family members, their finances, their career—and being more anxious ultimately leads to difficulty falling and staying asleep,” says Michael Breus, PhD, clinical psychologist and fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. As a result, he notes, “People are tending to stay up and sleep in more than usual now.” Layoffs, furloughs, even telecommuting can mean less accountability to a sound sleep schedule, and consuming more caffeine and/or alcohol—common during periods of undue stress—can also disrupt your rest.
Even if you’re not troubled by insomnia (during this crisis or under normal circumstances), your sleep hygiene and routine might be off-kilter. Take this quiz to find out how healthy your sleep habits truly are and how to correct them if necessary.
Is being in isolation making it harder to get a good night’s sleep? Here’s how to keep social distancing from ruining your sleep.
