New publication by Sebastian Sattler in the Journal of Sleep Research on COVID-19 and Sleep Problems
Veröffentlicht am 3. März 2022, 09:40 Uhr
Zerbini, G., Taflinger, S., Reicherts, P., Kunz, M., Sattler, S. (2022). Perceived
Risk of COVID-19 Exposure and Poor COVID-19 Prognosis Impair Sleep: The
Mediating and Moderating Roles of COVID-19-Related Anxiety and
Knowledge. Journal of Sleep Research.
Abstract
The
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to increased levels of
stress, depression, and anxiety in many people around the world.
Therefore, identifying individuals at risk of psychosocial burden during
this unprecedented crisis is essential for developing prevention
measures and treatment options for mental health issues. To this aim, we
investigated two risk groups: individuals at higher risk of exposure to
the virus and individuals at higher risk of poor prognosis if they
contract the virus. We conducted a survey (N=4167)
with a representative sample of the German population and assessed
perceived risk of COVID-19 exposure and poor prognosis if infected,
COVID-19-related anxiety, problems with sleep and daytime functioning,
as well as self- reported knowledge about the disease. Results showed
that perceived risk group membership was linked to increased problems
with sleep and daytime functioning via elevated levels of
COVID-19-related anxiety. This mediated effect was further moderated by
self-reported COVID-19 knowledge, but only for individuals who rated
them-selves at higher risk of COVID-19 exposure. Thus, knowledge
buffered the negative effect of exposure risk on anxiety and ultimately
on sleep in this risk group. Reaching individuals at increased risk of
exposure with clear information about the disease, how to prevent
infection, and treatment options could be an effective strategy to
contain anxiety levels and promote good sleep, which is important for
general well-being.
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