"Night Shift" or night mode on your smartphone appears to have no effect on sleep, BYU researchers found. Photo: Getty Images
SALT LAKE CITY – If you’re having trouble sleeping during this pandemic you’re not alone.
Intermountain Healthcare sleep psychologist says that adults and kids are struggling to not only get enough sleep, but to get quality sleep too. Neeleman sites two main reasons, increased stress and lack of routine.
“We aren’t very well wired to sleep when we’re stressed,” Neeleman told KSL-TV.
If you have lost your job, or you are working from home you will clearly not have the same routine, and add to that that kids have been out of school, routine gets completely disrupted.
“People are up much later and they don’t really have work to get up for, and even school — the kids didn’t have school to get up for, so it impacts that ability of the body to regulate,” she said.
Neeleman goes on to say, “All of a sudden, they’re doing their work in their bed, and they might be having a little dinner in bed, and they’re binge-watching shows in bed, and then they’re expected to sleep in bed as well.”
If you’re tempted to spend extra time in bed working, eating, watching TV resist the urge.
Another culprit that deprives people of sleep he says is napping in the day. That’s something Neelman says can play a role in having trouble sleeping.
Neeleman also recommends staying away from caffeine and alcohol later in the day.
Temporary disruption in sleep is normal, but if it continues for an extended period of time she recommends seeing your doctor because chronic insomnia can lead to physical ailments, disease, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.