Sleeping in Corona times: rest or unrest?

Sleeping in Corona times: rest or unrest?

Internationally, we are dealing with a drastic change in our daily lives due to the measures regarding the Corona virus. How does that affect our sleep?

Stress, tension and/or worrying is the number 1 cause of poor sleep. Very understandable that any concerns about the health of family and friends and finances can prevent a good night’s sleep during these times. What I also hear in practice is that now that everyone is more used to the situation, there is gradually more room for relaxation. The beautiful weather of recent times contributes to this. People are invited to enjoy nature again and almost forced, due to a lack of alternatives, to spend their free time walking or cycling in the vicinity and if you are lucky through the woods or over the heath (I write from my home in the beautiful landscape of Drenthe, lucky me!).

It makes a difference that fewer kilometres have to be made, no more racing from appointment to appointment. In demanding jobs, the bow was often tense and the relaxation that this new reality brings can bring more inner peace and thus contribute to better sleep. Although ‘working from home’ can entail the necessary other requirements, such as homework supervision for the children and more household tasks. ‘Crazy about working from home’ and ‘digitally tired’ are statements that are increasingly making the rounds. Another online training, webinar or Zoom meeting. Less interactive and face-to-face contact, more listening, less movement due to this online work at home can cause general inactivity, feelings of gloom and loneliness, fatigue and poorer sleep.

How do we take care of ourselves in these troubled times? Sleep is extremely important for maintaining our immune system. So, you want to protect yourself as best as possible against COVID-19. Prioritize your sleep!

Below are my seven best Corona time self-care and sleeping tips:

1. Determine your preferred rhythm and stick to fixed bedtimes and wake-up times as much as possible.
2. Make sure there is plenty of (day) light right when you get up to let your biological clock know that a new day has started. Preferably go outside in the morning and see the sun! It also provides vitamin D, which is necessary for healthy sleep.
3. Allow yourself enough exercise and mini-breaks between activities. Do at least one thing every day that you really enjoy.
4. Smile as often as possible! Even though that may feel forced, it works to make you feel better.
5. Drink plenty of pure water during the day. For optimal energy during the day and a good night’s sleep, you need to be sufficiently hydrated.
6. In addition to your walking and cycling activities, don’t forget your strength exercises! For good sleep you also need to be physically challenged. I try to jump rope and plank for at least a minute every day. I also recommend the 7-minute workout from YouTube for a short at-home workout.
7. Finish the evening with light intensity and (work) activities and then leave the day for what it is, save the worries for tomorrow and rely on a good night’s sleep.

According to the CBS Health Survey (2018), 24% of the Dutch have sleeping problems. I am very curious how this percentage will be at the moment. How does the Corona crisis affect your sleep? Do you notice more peace or unrest? I’d love to hear from you, let me know in the comments!