Yahoo UK: Without commutes, our sleep schedules have seen a stark shift, and the pandemic has affected how we sleep as well.
“Lockdown has altered people’s sleep patterns drastically, with many people suffering with insomnia, nightmares and restless sleep,” Şirin Atçeken, psychologist at WeCure tells Yahoo UK. “There are several reasons for this. The stresses and trauma of the pandemic – from job losses, being on the front line, losses of loved ones and changes in our ‘normal’ lives – has weighed heavily on us, increasing anxiety and stress levels, all of which affect our sleep.
Dr Kat Lederle, head of sleep health at Somnia says: “Not having to get up early to commute to work or to go to the gym has allowed them to sleep for longer and be more in sync with their internal body clock.” These individuals may now too be facing disrupted sleep as lockdowns ease and commutes are once again on the horizon for many.
“You might want to prepare gradually for your return to the office, to help your body clock. For example, you could set your alarm clock and get up 15 to 30 minutes earlier every day the week before you start back in the office. This will help because exposing yourself to bright light earlier in the morning will help to naturally re-establish your natural circadian rhythms.”
