Early impact on sleep and mental health during the mandatory social isolation of COVID-19 outbreak: an observational cross-sectional study carried out in Argentina

Introduction: The mandatory social isolation (MSI) due to the pandemic caused by COVID-19 in the world produced many changes in sleep and different areas of mental health. Objectives: To evaluate the early effects of MSI on sleep, anxiety, and depression in Argentina. Material and Methods: An anonymous observational cross-sectional web-based study was distributed throughout the country and was completed by 2,594 respondents to analyze demographic information, quality of sleep, REM sleep-related events, depressive, and anxiety symptoms. Results: The study revealed that 53, 21, 22, 23, and 16% of people surveyed were poor sleepers, had dream-related behaviors, nightmares, depression, and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed a positive correlation between anxiety, being a poor sleeper, and having nightmares. Conclusion: We identified the early effects of MSI on sleep quality, dreaming activity, anxiety, and depression in Argentina during the COVID-19 outbreak. Our findings can be used to formulate sleep and psychological interventions to improve mental health during the pandemic and post-pandemic times.