Non-Pharmacological Interventions to Improve Quality of Sleep during COVID-19 Pandemic

During COVID-19 pandemic, factors such as incidence of uncontrollable conditions, uncertainty of the future, and changes in daily life patterns affect the mental and physical health of individuals. Anxiety, depression, and stress caused by the pandemic can significantly change the quality of sleep in people. Some studies have shown that young women, individuals with high levels of fear of COVID-19, and people with a history of psychiatric problems are expected to experience sleep problems such as insomnia more severely. Poor sleep can weaken the immune system and make individuals more vulnerable to viral infections. Under these conditions, optimal sleep patterns can help regulate mood, improve brain function, and boost energy during the day. However, maintaining good health is not an easy task in quarantine conditions due to the limitations in social communication and sedentary lifestyle (1,2).The focus of this letter is on mental health of staff, general practitioners, and sleep specialists to educate their patients and people in the community about how to improve quality of sleep and deal with sleep problems during COVID-19 pandemic. The following are some typical suggestions to overcome the negative effects of the current pandemic: