LAUSR

Abstract Introduction Sleep deprivation is known amongst doctors (working hours of doctors in developing countries are long and not tightly regulated) and the COVID-19 pandemic may make it worse. We conducted this survey to assess the quantitative and qualitative effects of this pandemic on the sleep of doctors. Methods A survey was created on Google Forms and it was circulated / sent through WhatsApp for voluntary participation amongst several groups of doctors and individually as well. Results We received 304 responses from doctors of various specialties, cadres and background. Our results showed that 52% of them were involved in direct clinical care of COVID-19 patients. 55.8% doctors reported changes in sleep pattern and 37.2% reported reduced duration of sleep, as compared to the time before the pandemic. More than 50% of them slept for less than 7 hours a night since the beginning of the pandemic. 37% had difficulty falling asleep and maintaining sleep. 30% had difficulty in concentration and functioning during day-time. Non-refreshing sleep was experienced by 36.3% of them and 18.8% of physicians had recollected having COVID-19 related dreams. 33% doctors’ last thought before sleep and first thought after waking up were about COVID-19. 36% doctors looked for information about COVID-19 on media immediately before going to sleep and immediately after waking up. More than 60% doctors started meditation, exercise, yoga or relaxation techniques for getting better sleep. Conclusion A further decline in duration and quality of sleep due to the COVID-19 pandemic amongst already sleep-deprived doctors may be detrimental not only to their own health but for patient-care also. Support (if any):