The Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine (SBSM) has convened a group of experts to create recommendations related to the management of sleep disturbances during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The SBSM COVID-19 Task Force noted that their patients had experienced disrupted sleep-wake patterns during the pandemic and ensuing lockdown. To help address these issues, they produced a series of case vignettes with corresponding advice for healthcare providers, as well as handouts for patients containing sleep hygiene recommendations.
First, the task force recommended that behavioral and environmental controls may help address acute bouts of insomnia. Specifically, tracking sleep with a diary, avoiding non-sleep related activity in the bedroom, and practicing cognitive control and imagery distraction techniques should be considered first line treatments. The task force recommended these treatment options are prioritized over prescription sleep aids, which carry the risk for dependence and adverse effects.
