Sleep patterns in children during the quarantine by Covid- 19

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The main objective of this research was to evaluate the perception of parents in relation
to the quantity, quality and patterns of sleep in children, during confinement due to a Covid-19 pandemic.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out. An
anonymous, voluntary survey was carried out through a virtual platform to the parents or guardians of
children in Argentina who wished to participate in it.
RESULTS: 1743 children were included, of which 830 (48%) were female and 913 (52%) male. Regarding
the number of hours of nighttime sleep, during quarantine, the average time the children slept was 9.40 ±
1.76 hours. The mean quality of sleep obtained was 7.41 ± 2.16 points. In relation to bedtime, a time
difference of 1.60 ± 1.88 hours was found, greater during quarantine (p <0.001). In the time of awakening,
a difference was 2.29 ± 0.59 hours higher during confinement with respect to the hours prior to it (p <0.001).
In 673 (39%) children there was an increase in conciliation latency of sleep.

CONCLUSION: During quarantine, most patients modified their sleep patterns, with an increase in the
number of hours of sleep and a decrease in its quality. In addition, there has been a disruption in the
circadian rhythm of sleep, with possible phase delay, and an increase in the latency of conciliation of sleep.