203 Changing Sleep During the COVID Pandemic Associated with Daytime Cognitive Function

Abstract

Introduction The novel Coronavirus has caused major disruptions to sleep and cognitive function of many individuals. The present study evaluated the degree to which daytime cognitive dysfunction may be related to worsening sleep. Methods Data from adults aged 18 and older in the 2020 Coronavirus and Impact on Dreams (CovID) study were used. Individuals were asked “how would you rate your sleep quality overall” and answered with “very good, fairly good, fairly bad, or very bad.” Subjects were asked if it takes “30 minutes or more to fall asleep” and answered with how frequently that happened. In addition, participants were asked how often they wake up during the night. Participants were then asked how much they think their sleep problems have contributed to daytime functioning and answered on a scale of 0 to 5, from “not at all” to “very much,” respectively. Results 46% of the sample did not report problems with daytime cognitive function, while 33%, 12%, and 9% reported mild, moderate, and severe problems, respectively. Those who reported that they have kept a regular schedule during the pandemic were 83% less likely to report greater daytime cognitive dysfunction (95%CI:0.08,0.37, p<0.0005). Those who indicated that overall their sleep worsened or improved did not demonstrate a difference in likelihood of daytime cognitive problems. Regarding specific sleep experiences, those who reported more problems falling asleep due to the pandemic were 8.2 times more likely to report daytime cognitive dysfunction (95%CI:3.53,19.07, p<0.0005) and those who reported more problems with morning awakenings were 5.7 times more likely (95%CI:2.10,15.56, p<0.001). Those who reported that they were sleepier as a result of the pandemic were 9.3 times as likely to report daytime cognitive dysfunction (95%CI:3.53,24.46, p<0.0005) and those who reported taking more naps were 4.4 times more likely (95%CI:1.90,10.40, p<0.001). Conclusion In general, people who reported increased sleepiness, a less regular schedule, more insomnia, and more napping were more likely to experience daytime cognitive dysfunction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Support (if any) R01MD011600, R01DA051321