Effects of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders on sleep, health, working patterns of US healthcare workers

Editor's Note

This survey of healthcare workers finds that stay-at-home orders issued in March 2020, resulted in worsening mood and changes in sleep, work, and behavior patterns.

A total of 834 healthcare workers across 41 states who responded to the survey report that that their mood worsened, and bedtime screen time and substance use increased.

Those continuing to work in person reported that their total sleep time shortened. Sleep time was unchanged in those working from home, but they went to bed later, woke up later, and worked fewer hours.

Reduced sleep time and increased screen time before bed were linked to worse mood. Longer sleep time was associated with better mood.

The findings highlight the need for support programs to monitor mood and health of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers say.