Sleep disturbances among physicians during COVID-19 pandemic

• Main Authors: Yasser H. Alnofaiey, Haneen A. Alshehri, Maram M. Alosaimi, Shrooq H. Alswat, Raghad H. Alswat, Rahaf M. Alhulayfi, Meteb A. Alghamdi, Reem M. Alsubaie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2020-10-01
• Series: BMC Research Notes
• Subjects: Sleep; Disturbances; Physicians; COVID-19; Pandemic; Saudi
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13104-020-05341-6

Abstract Objectives To assess prevalence and related factors of sleep disturbances among Saudi physicians during COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected through a questionnaire including items about demographic characters, knowledge about covid-19 and items to assess sleep quality that were extracted from Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale. Results Prevalence of sleep disorders was 43.9%, doctors in the age group of 31–40 years, associate consultants had a significant higher prevalence of sleep disorders. Medical interns and laboratory/pathology/microbiology doctors had a significant more difficulty in fall asleep during COVID-19, and internists and surgeons had a significant higher percent of those who used sleeping pills. Resident doctors had a significant higher percent of having trouble in staying awake, and residents and consultants had a significant higher percent of those who suffered decreased sleep duration. Sleep quality during COVID-19 was very good, fair good and very bad in 23.4%, 60% and 3.5% of HCW respectively. The study observed a negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on HCW sleep quality. Hospitals administrations should provide optimal working hours with enough break and employ more doctors during the pandemic. Doctors experiencing sleep problems should have mandatory leaves.