Work

Longitudinal changes in sleep and sleep-related symptoms among Korean adults between 2010 to 2022, including the COVID-19 pandemic period

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted people's lifestyles, changing sleep patterns. This study investigated changes in sleep patterns and disturbances in South Koreans over the past decade, including during the pandemic. METHODS: We compared data from the Korean Sleep Headache Society Phase I survey (n = 2484; conducted in 2010) and the National Sleep Survey of South Korea 2022 (n = 3729; conducted in 2022), involving participants aged 20-69 years. Changes in sleep schedule, sleep duration, social jet lag, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness were explored. RESULTS: Workday bedtimes were advanced and free-day bedtimes and workday and free-day waking times were delayed during the pandemic. Increased circadian preference for eveningness and social jet lag were noted. A significant decrease in sleep duration and sleep efficiency, along with an increased prevalence of insomnia and daytime sleepiness, was noted with age- and sex-specific variations. CONCLUSIONS: Over the past decade, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, sleep habits have changed significantly and sleep problems worsened. This study emphasize the need for more comprehensive public health strategies and research to facilitate sleep recovery in the post-pandemic period within a society known for its high prevalence of sleep deprivation.

Source: PLoS ONE

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311600