Early Impact of Lockdown on Daily Activity Behaviors and Sleep Pattern in Small Indian Population

Objectives: Lockdown has resulted in unprecedented changes in daily behaviors including depression. We hypothesized that the lockdown would impact our daily behavior such as sleep-wake cycle, eating time, physical activities, work hours, sleep quality, etc. We also observed the depression among the population during the lockdown.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study was conducted after one month of the imposition of the lockdown (between April 26 – May 05, 2020) by an online questionnaire designed using a google form filled by individuals from different professions (N=251). The analysis was performed using one-way RM ANOVA followed by Bonferroni’s multiple analysis post hoc test. Significance was taken at P< 0.0001.

Results: The sleep-wake cycle, breakfast time was significantly delayed during the lockdown compared to weekdays before lockdown days. Total 60% of volunteers reported good sleep, 32% had increased daytime nap, maximum time spent in the usage of social media 29%, and 79% showed increased usage of electronic gadgets. The physical activity and work hours were reduced to 57% and 58% respectively. It seems that lockdown forced people to undergo depression as 54% were depressed.

Conclusion: This is the first study to conclude the changes in daily behaviors including depression. Overall, delay in the sleep-wake cycle, breakfast timings, increased sedentary lifestyle, reduction in their work hours, addiction of electronic gadgets, spending maximum time on social media with increased depression. This study is helpful for the public health systems to create awareness regarding the sleep and health improvements during as well as after lockdown.