Beyond Stress: Altered Sleep-Wake Patterns are a Key Behavioral Risk Factor for Acute Insomnia During Times of Crisis

Background Stress is a common precipitant of acute insomnia; however, reducing stress during times of crisis is challenging. This study aimed to determine which modifiable factors, beyond stress, were associated with acute insomnia during a major crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants/Methods A global online survey assessed sleep/circadian, stress, mental health, and lifestyle factors between April-May 2020. Logistic regression models analyzed data from 1319 participants (578 acute insomnia, 741 good sleepers), adjusted for demographic differences. Results Perceived stress was a significant predictor of acute insomnia during the pandemic (OR 1.23, 95% CI1.19-1.27). After adjusting for stress, individuals who altered their sleep-wake patterns (OR 3.36, CI 2.00-5.67) or increased technology use before bed (OR 3.13, CI 1.13-8.65) were at increased risk of acute insomnia. Other sleep factors associated with acute insomnia included changes in dreams/nightmares (OR 2.08, CI 1.32-3.27), increased sleep effort (OR 1.99, CI1.71-2.31) and cognitive pre-sleep arousal (OR 1.18, CI 1.11-1.24). For pandemic factors, worry about contracting COVID-19 (OR 3.08, CI 1.18-8.07) and stringent government COVID-19 restrictions (OR 1.12, CI =1.07-1.18) were associated with acute insomnia. Anxiety (OR 1.02, CI 1.01-1.05) and depressive (OR 1.29, CI 1.22-1.37) symptoms were also risk factors. A final hierarchical regression model revealed that after accounting for stress, altered sleep-wake patterns were a key behavioral predictor of acute insomnia (OR 2.60, CI 1.68-5.81). Conclusion Beyond stress, altered sleep-wake patterns are a key risk factor for acute insomnia. Modifiable behaviors such as maintaining regular sleep-wake patterns appear vital for sleeping well in times of crisis.

Automated summary

The study found that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, altered sleep-wake patterns, in addition to stress, were a key risk factor for acute insomnia. Maintaining regular sleep-wake patterns is crucial for getting good sleep in times of crisis.