The prevalence of sleep disturbances and physical activity during the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic in Polish population

Introduction: Sleep disturbances are linked to significant adverse behavioural and health consequences. It is well known that insomnia is associated with an increase of ACTH and cortisol secretion. Presence of sleep disorders, which may have worsened over time of COVID-19 pandemic, in a combination with improper lifestyle habits, may lead to the increase of overweight and obesity prevalence. The aim of the study was to analyse sleep disturbances during lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The survey was performed nation-wide by Internet among adult Poles between November 2020 and January 2021. Study questionnaire included 46 questions concerning sleep habits and Athenian sleep scale. Results: Total of 703 responders (537 females) in mean age 28.9 ± 10.4 years were included to the analysis. Mean duration of sleep during and before COVID-19 pandemic was similar (7.06 ± 1.53 vs. 7.09 ± 1.12 hours respectively, p=NS). The insomnia was diagnosed in 28.4%. During the pandemic a significant increase in the screen time (7.9 ± 3.4 vs. 5.1 ± 2.8 hours respectively, p<0.01) and a significant decrease of weekly physical activity (3.1 ± 5.2 vs. 5.4 ± 13.6 respectively, p<0.01) as well as daily outdoor activity (1.6 ± 2.2 vs. 3.0 ± 2.3 hours respectively, p<0.01) was observed. Conclusion: Insomnia and reduced physical activity may be a risk factors overweight and obesity development during COVID-19 pandemic in Polish population.