Spending Time Outside and Getting Quality Sleep

By Wiley September 21, 2021

For many people, the restrictions introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic have drastically changed daily routines and limited time spent outdoors. Credit: Dr. Korman

For many people, the restrictions introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic have drastically changed daily routines and limited time spent outdoors. In a study published in the Journal of Sleep Research that included 7,517 adults from many countries surveyed during the 2020 COVID-19 restrictions, median levels of sleep quality, quality of life, physical activity and productivity deteriorated as screen time increased and time spent outdoors during the day decreased; however, many survey participants reported no changes or even improvements. Longer sleep and reduced alarm clock use were linked to better sleep quality and quality of life.

Greater reductions in time spent outdoors in daylight were linked to deterioration in well-being and delayed sleep.

“Our findings suggest that strategies to improve well-being under social constraints should promote increased daylight exposure and restful sleep,” said lead author Maria Korman, PhD, MSc, of Ariel University in Israel.

Reference: Sept. 22, 2021, Journal of Sleep Research.
DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13471