Influence of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on sleep habits in a pediatric population

Sara Completo; Andreia Fiúza Ribeiro; Ana Rute Manuel; Helena Cristina Loureiro

doi:10.5935/1984-0063.20210021

Sleep Science, Table of Contents

CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Sleep Sci 2022; 15(S 02): 388-392
DOI: 10.5935/1984-0063.20210021

SHORT COMMUNICATIONS

Influence of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on sleep habits in a pediatric population

Sara Completo

¹Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, E.P.E., Pediatric Service, Child and Youth Department - Amadora - Amadora - Portugal

,

Andreia Fiúza Ribeiro

¹Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, E.P.E., Pediatric Service, Child and Youth Department - Amadora - Amadora - Portugal

,

Ana Rute Manuel

¹Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, E.P.E., Pediatric Service, Child and Youth Department - Amadora - Amadora - Portugal

,

Helena Cristina Loureiro

¹Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, E.P.E., Pediatric Service, Child and Youth Department - Amadora - Amadora - Portugal

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: Assessment of changes in sleep habits at home in children during COVID-19 lockdown.

Methods: Retrospective, transversal study in a pediatric ward of a level II hospital. Questionnaires concerning sleep quality, patterns and its modifications during lockdown were distributed from June to August 2020. Comparison with a control sample from previous study (2019). Statistical analysis on SPSS Statistics23.

Results: Two groups were compared: during lockdown (n=36, mean age 9.3 years-old) and before lockdown (n=48, mean age 8.8 years-old). 55.6% stated changes in sleep patterns. There was an increase in sleep hours, specifically in school-aged children (p=0.05) and adolescents (p=0.03), with no impact in global subjective sleep quality. Significative increase in screen hours (p=0.02) and its use after dinner (p=0.04).

Discussion: Changes in sleep patterns during lockdown were frequent, alongside a higher use of screens. However, these did not affect the subjective sleep quality nor increased the occurrence of sleep disturbances.

Keywords:

COVID-19 Pandemic - SARS-CoV-2 - Sleep Habits - Electronic Devices - Lockdown

Full Text

References

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