Epidemiology of sleep disorders during COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic scoping review
Abstract
Background
A growing burden of mental health problems has become a global concern amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Sleep disorders are major mental health problems associated with increased psychosocial stressors; however, no research synthesis is available on the epidemiology of it. In this systematic scoping review, we aimed to assess the current evidence on the epidemiological burden, associated factors, and interventions from the existing literature.
Method
Seven major health databases and additional sources were searched to identify, evaluate, and synthesize empirical studies on the prevalence and correlates of sleep disorders and available interventions. The Joanna Briggs Institute Methodology for Scoping Review were used, and the findings were reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist.
Results
A total of 78 articles were retrieved, the prevalence of sleeping disorders ranged from 2.3% to 76.6%. Age, sex, level of education, physical and mental health, COVID-19 related factors, occupation especially being health care workers (HCW) were the main associated factors. Only two intentions were identified to address the issue.
Conclusion
The finding of this review indicated a high burden of sleep disorder with limited interventions that necessitate informing policymakers and practitioners to facilitate future research and implementations.
Brief summary
Current Knowledge/Study Rationale
Despite the paramount importance of sleep for the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals, sleep hygiene is often neglected which resulted in a high prevalence of sleep disorders across the globe. This condition is likely to worsen amid this pandemic. This is the first systematic scoping review of sleep disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Study Impact
The findings of our study suggest a high prevalence of sleep disorder and highlight a wide range of socio-demographic factors to identify population groups vulnerable to the adverse outcomes of sleep disorder with limited interventions. These pieces of evidence will guide clinicians to make informed choices for better management of patients and aid public health professionals to prevent sleep disorder epidemic concurring with the current pandemic.
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