LIFE IN LOCKDOWN: Insomnia and Vivid Dreams
You’re not alone if in recent weeks you’ve suffered with insomnia. The stress from the lockdown and demonstrations has thrown sleep patterns into chaos.
Even when we get a good night’s rest, many have woken to describe weird dreams. Again, blame pandemic stress. Anxiety produces neurochemicals in the brain that trigger nightmares and vivid dreams.
New York psychiatrist Philip Muskin said, (quote) “The biggest problem has been staying asleep. People aren’t exercising, their days have no structure.”
A survey of nearly 2,000 people found 46 percent suffered from poor sleep patterns. That’s twice the number than before the pandemic. Sleeping pill prescriptions spiked in the month of March. Sales of over-the-counter Melatonin supplements increased by 44 percent.
Doctor Natasha Bhuyan suggested one way to sleep peacefully. (quote) “Make your bedroom a device-free zone. Turn off phones and tablets at least an hour before going to bed.”