Sleep versus lockdown

Are people sleeping more during the lockdown? If yes, then, studies have revealed that the quality of sleep has been seriously affected among those who have been sleeping longer than before. This newspaper on Monday had a front-page story, datelined London, which has quoted a recent survey by the University of Basel in Switzerland that found respondents admitting sleeping up to 50 minutes longer than before the lockdown, with the starling revelation that their sleep quality has, in the process, actually deteriorated. The study has also revealed that flexible working hours, no commuting to and fro workplace, and potentially more time available to sleep has led to a reduction in "social jetlag", but then, this has not led to any improvement in perceived sleep quality; instead it has adversely affected sleep quality in most people. Though overall, participants in the survey admitted that they have slept rather well during lockdown, most people have been mentally disturbed by the unprecedented situation that has caused serious financial and health concerns, and in many cases domestic violence. Yet another study has revealed that the pandemic – and the lockdown and its impact on the economy – have been together causing increased anxiety and stress among people. These worries are harassing many people particularly at night when it is time to get a good night's sleep. Thoughts particularly related to economic security interrupts the sleep cycle and affects sleep quality, leaving people exhausted the next day. Health and yoga experts meanwhile have suggested regular yoga and pranayam – breathing exercises – to not only improve sleep quality but also to get the best benefits out of quality sleep. Yoga isn't just beneficial for improving core strength, flexibility, and stress levels; it can also help one sleep better— especially if one suffers from insomnia and any other sleep disorder. Those who perform yoga on a daily basis, sleep for longer, fall asleep faster, and return to sleep more quickly if they wake up in the middle of the night. A Harvard Medical School report on the other hand has, quoting a survey said that over 55% of people who did yoga found that it helped them get better sleep, while over 85% said yoga helped reduce stress. Thus, one may be sleeping longer during lockdown, but then, the question is, it is quality sleep or not.