COVID-19 pandemic lockdown-induced altered sleep/wake circadian rhythm, health complaints and stress among traffic police personnel in India

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus-2, capable of high human transmission. To protect against the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization proposed intervening guidance that included movement restrictions, isolation, restriction of national and international travel or movement, and full or partial closure of organizations and institutions. Police personnel play a vital role in safeguarding the spread of COVID-19; thus, potentially causing severe stress due to increased consignment and direct exposure to infection during duty. The study aimed to determine the effect of the added stress of the COVID-19 pandemic and population lockdown on the sleep/wake 24 h rhythm of traffic police. A concise online questionnaire survey was conducted among the traffic police personnel of India. Collected data were analyzed statistically. Disorientation of working schedule, fear of being vulnerable to disease, pressure of maintaining law, and orders during lockdown increased stress level. The survey identified discontinuation of sleep, shift of mid-sleep time, increase in depression, plus stress and anxiety among traffic police personnel that affected their chronobiological milieu. Proper awareness of adequate health and safety measures, use of personnel protection equipment, regular conversation with family members, and meditation can help reduce stress during this pandemic situation.

Key Words:

• Sleep/wake circadian rhythm
• COVID-19
• Pandemic lockdown
• Traffic police
• Sleep
• Stress
• mental health

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the respondents of the Police force from India who had willingly participated in this research and contributed their information for academic purposes.

Authors’contribution

SS and AS conceived the study design. AD was responsible for data collection, manuscript writing. PM contributed to data representation, data analysis, and data interpretation. Final approval was made by AS and SS.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research work is funded by the Department of Science & Technology and Biotechnology, Government of West Bengal, India.