Changes in sleep pattern and dream activity across and after the COVID‐19 lockdown in Italy: A longitudinal observational study

• DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13500
• Publication Date: 2021-10-01T17:01:56Z
• Authors: Valentina Alfonsi; Maurizio Gorgoni; Serena Scarpelli; Pierpaolo Zivi; Stefano Sdoia; Emanuela Mari; Alessandro Quaglieri; Fabio Ferlazzo; Anna Maria Giannini; Luigi De Gennaro
• Keywords: Longitudinal Study; Bedtime; Sleep

A large body of evidence has documented the impact global COVID-19 outbreak - and especially lockdown period on sleep quality quantity. Here, we present first Italian longitudinal study considering four different time points collected during (from 29 March 2020 to 3 May 2020) a subsequent follow-up (October 2020). We used an online survey collect socio-demographic related information. Subjects were also asked complete diary at each point study. Our sample included 147 participants. Statistical comparison across intervals showed remarkable changes in patterns after lockdown. In particular, observed longer latency, less ease falling asleep, higher total bedtime, lower dream frequency. The week-by-week evaluation described relatively stable measures period, except for frequency, affected by rapid increase early phase findings are line with current literature. Furthermore, prospective investigation comprising several offered possibility (a) observing temporal dynamics entities such over time, (b) reducing typical memory bias these studies.