Binge drinking alcohol and circadian misalignment in night shift nurses is associated with decreased resiliency to COVID-19 infection

Background: Nurses and other first responders are at high risk of exposure to the SARS-CoV2 virus, and many have developed severe COVID-19 infection. A better understanding of the factors that increase the risk of infection after exposure to the virus could help to address this. Although several risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension have been associated with an increased risk of infection, many first responders develop severe COVID-19 without established risk factors. As inflammation and cytokine storm are the primary mechanisms in severe COVID-19, other factors that promote an inflammatory state could increase the risk of COVID-19 in exposed individuals. Alcohol misuse and shift work with subsequent misaligned circadian rhythms are known to promote a pro-inflammatory state and thus could increase susceptibility to COVID-19. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a prospective, cross-sectional observational survey-based study in nurses using the American Nursing Association network. Method(s): We used validated structured questionnaires to assess alcohol consumption (the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and circadian typology or chronotype (the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire Shift -MCTQ-Shift). Result(s): By latent class analysis (LCA), high-risk features of alcohol misuse were associated with a later chronotype, and binge drinking was greater in night shift workers. The night shift was associated with more than double the odds of COVID-19 infection of the standard shift (OR 2.67, 95% CI: 1.18 to 6.07). Binge drinkers had twice the odds of COVID-19 infection of those with low-risk features by LCA (OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 0.75 to 5.79). Conclusion(s): Working night shifts or binge drinking may be risk factors for COVID-19 infection among nurses. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these risk factors could help to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on our at-risk healthcare workforce.Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Research Society on Alcohol.

[Influence of screen time on the sleep quality of students]. / Einfluss der Bildschirmzeit auf die Schlafqualität Studierender.

Introduction: The restorative effects of sleep are essential for physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral daily performance in college. In addition to the stress of everyday student life, the use of screen devices at the forefront of pandemic-related online teaching is also increasing dramatically. Particularly during evening and nighttime hours, increased screen use may contribute to physical, psychological, and cognitive activation, which in turn may negatively affect students' sleep quality. Methods: To determine possible associations between screen use in online teaching and its effects on sleep hygiene and quality, 216 students at Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences anonymously and voluntarily participated in the online survey in May 2021. The positive ethics vote is available. Results: The general sleep quality of the student body can be rated as poor in 68.9% (n = 149) of the surveyed students. In particular, students who worked predominantly on screen devices in the evening or at nighttime for their studies, and thus had a chronobiological tendency to be a night person, tended to have poorer sleep. Discussion: The effects of long screen time in the evening and nighttime hours can have far-reaching consequences on sleep patterns and awareness of physical needs for breaks and sleep. Online teaching in times of the COVID-19 pandemic in particular led to an increase in screen time alongside equally high levels of personal use. This could result in a continued negative impact on sleep hygiene and quality, not only at the expense of daytime concentration and performance but rather of physical and mental health.

Corrigendum: Chrononutrition behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic and its relationship with body weight among college students.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1079069.].

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stress and sleep in emergency room professionals.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze stress levels, sleep quality, sleepiness and chronotypes on emergency room (ER) professionals before and during the COVID-19. BACKGROUND: ER healthcare professionals are exposed to high stress levels, and they often present with poor sleep quality. DESIGN: Observational study conducted into two different phases (before the COVID-19 and during the first wave of the COVID-19). METHOD: Physicians, nurses and nursing assistants working in the ER were included. Stress, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and chronotypes were assessed by the Stress Factors and Manifestations Scale (SFMS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the Horne and Österberg Morningness-Eveningness questionnaire, respectively. The first phase of the study was performed between December 2019 and February 2020, and the second between April and June 2020. The STROBE checklist was used to report the present study. RESULTS: In total, 189 ER professionals in the pre-COVID-19 phase and 171 (of the initial 189) during COVID-19 were included. The proportion of workers with a morning circadian rhythm increased during the COVID-19, and stress levels were significantly higher during COVID-19 compared to the previous phase (38.34 ± 10.74 vs. 49.97 ± 15.81). ER professionals with poor sleep quality presented higher stress in the pre-COVID-19 phase (40.60 ± 10.71 vs. 32.22 ± 8.19) and during COVID-19 (55.27 ± 15.75 vs. 39.66 ± 9.75). Similarly, workers with excessive sleepiness had higher stress in the pre-COVID-19 phase (42.06 ± 10.95 vs. 36.64 ± 10.24) and during COVID-19 (54.67 ± 18.10 vs. 48.44 ± 14.75). Positive associations were also found between the SFMS and the PSQI, as well as with the ESS in both phases of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency room professionals had increased stress levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stress was particularly higher in those with poor sleep quality or with excessive daytime sleepiness. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: These results should aim to impulse the implementation of measures to improve the working conditions of ER professionals.

Sleep Disorders and Associated Factors in Children Who Admitted to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinics During the Pandemic

Objective: This study determined whether children have sleep disorders during the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic restriction process, and if they do, to determine in which areas they have problems with sleep, as well as to examine the relationship of sleep disorder with chronotype and coronavirus anxiety.Materials and Methods: In April-November 2020, 98 patients attending Kocaeli University Child Psychiatry clinics and attending primary school 1-4th grade were recruited. "Sociodemographic Form", "Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire", and "Children's Chronotype Questionnaire" were applied to the parents. The short form of the "Coronavirus Anxiety Scale" and the information form about the pandemic process were applied to the children.Results: According to the sleep habits questionnaire, 70.4% of the group had clinically significant sleep problems. The most common sleep disorders observed in our study;are bedtime resistance, delayed falling asleep, and nighttime awakenings. A significant relationship was found between physical illness in the family (p=0.019), smoking (p=0.032), sleep pattern change during the pandemic (p=0.002), sleep change of the mother (p=0.006) and/or father (p=0.035), change in appetite (p=0.010), and sleep disorder. According to the chronotype scale, 66 children were morning and children's anxiety toward coronavirus was low.Conclusion: Our study shows that sleep disturbance in children is marked during the pandemic period, but this is due to changes in sleep patterns and parents' sleep rather than problems related to anxiety or chronotype associated with the pandemic. It will be useful to question these factors and make arrangements in this direction when evaluating the sleep-related problems of patients who apply to outpatient clinics.

The association among circadian rhythm, circadian genes and chrononutrition, its effect on obesity: a review of current evidence

Circadian rhythms, also known as circadian clocks, are cyclic endogenous biological patterns of an approximately 24-hour cycle which regulate the timing of physiology, metabolism, and behavior. Recent research in the field of circadian science has suggested that the timing of food intake may also play a role in markers of health, in addition to food choice and food quantity. There is emerging evidence suggesting that the timing of dietary intake, so-called chrono-nutrition, may be influenced by an individual<apos;>s chronotype. For example, the evening type has been linked to unhealthy diet, which could indicate a higher possibility of obesity. On the other hand, the continuum of chronotype diversity is largely mediated by genes. The presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of clock genes have been associated with obesity, chronotype, metabolic disturbances, and dietary habits (e.g., breakfast skipping, meal timing, energy/macronutrient intake). In this review, we outline the current knowledge of the interactions between clock genes, chronotype, dietary intake and chrono-nutrition.Additionally, it is emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemichas had a significant impact on the circadian system, dietary choices and meal timing. For this reason, the current review aims to focus on how chronotype/sleep and chrono-nutrition are affected during the COVID-19 pandemic.Copyright © 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Pandemi Döneminde Çocuk ve Ergen Psikiyatrisi Polikliniğine Başvuran Çocuklarda Uyku Bozukluğu ve Ílişkili Faktörler

Objective: This study determined whether children have sleep disorders during the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic restriction process, and if they do, to determine in which areas they have problems with sleep, as well as to examine the relationship of sleep disorder with chronotype and coronavirus anxiety. Materials and Methods: In April-November 2020, 98 patients attending Kocaeli University Child Psychiatry clinics and attending primary school 1-4th grade were recruited. "Sociodemographic Form", "Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire", and "Children's Chronotype Questionnaire" were applied to the parents. The short form of the "Coronavirus Anxiety Scale" and the information form about the pandemic process were applied to the children. Results: According to the sleep habits questionnaire, 70.4% of the group had clinically significant sleep problems. The most common sleep disorders observed in our study;are bedtime resistance, delayed falling asleep, and nighttime awakenings. A significant relationship was found between physical illness in the family (p=0.019), smoking (p=0.032), sleep pattern change during the pandemic (p=0.002), sleep change of the mother (p=0.006) and/or father (p=0.035), change in appetite (p=0.010), and sleep disorder. According to the chronotype scale, 66 children were morning and children's anxiety toward coronavirus was low. Conclusion: Our study shows that sleep disturbance in children is marked during the pandemic period, but this is due to changes in sleep patterns and parents' sleep rather than problems related to anxiety or chronotype associated with the pandemic. It will be useful to question these factors and make arrangements in this direction when evaluating the sleep-related problems of patients who apply to outpatient clinics. Amaç: Bu çalışmada, Koronavirüs hastalığı-2019 (COVID-19) pandemisi kısıtlama sürecinde çocukların uyku bozukluğu yaşayıp yaşamadığının, eğer yaşıyorlarsa uyku ile ilgili hangi alanlarda sorun yaşadıklarının saptanması, ayrıca uyku bozukluğunun kronotip ve Koronavirüs anksiyetesi ile ilişkisinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Nisan-Kasım 2020 tarihleri arasında Kocaeli Üniversitesi Çocuk ve Ergen Psikiyatri polikliniklerine başvuran;ilkokul 1-4. sınıfa giden 98 hasta çalışmaya dahil edilmiştir. Ebeveynlere "Sosyodemografik Bilgi Formu", "Çocuk Uyku Alışkanlıkları Anketi", "Çocukluk Dönemi Kronotip Anketi";çocuklara ise "Koronavirus Anksiyete Ölçeği Kısa Formu" ve pandemi süreci ile ilgili beş maddeden oluşan bilgi formu uygulanmıştır. Bulgular: Uyku alışkanlıkları anketi toplam puanına bakıldığında, grubun %70,4'ünün klinik olarak anlamlı düzeyde uyku sorunu yaşadığı saptanmıştır. Çalışmamızda gözlenen en yaygın uyku bozuklukları;yatma zamanı direnci, uykuya dalmanın gecikmesi ve gece uyanmalarıdır. Ailede fiziksel hastalık (p=0,019), sigara kullanımı (p=0,032), pandemide uyku düzen değişikliği (p=0,002), annenin uyku değişimi (p=0,006), babanın uyku değişimi (p=0,035), ve iştah değişimi (p=0,010) ile uyku bozukluğu arasında anlamlı ilişki saptanmıştır. Kronotip ölçeğine göre 66 çocuğun sabahçı, 31 çocuğun ara form, bir çocuğun ise akşamcı olduğu gözlenmiştir. Çocukların Koronavirüse yönelik anksiyetesinin düşük olduğu saptanmıştır. Sonuç: Çalışmamız, çocuklarda pandemi döneminde uyku bozukluğunun belirgin düzeyde olduğunu ancak bu durumun pandemi ile ilişkili anksiyete ya da kronotip ile ilgili sorunlardan çok, uyku düzenlerindeki değişiklik ve ebeveynlerin uykusundaki değişimlerden kaynaklandığını göstermektedir. Polikliniklere başvuran hastaların uyku ile ilgili sorunları değerlendirilirken bu faktörlerin sorgulanması ve bu yönde düzenlemeler yapılması yararlı olacaktır.

Sleep Disorders and Associated Factors in Children Who Admitted to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinics During the Pandemic.

Objective: This study determined whether children have sleep disorders during the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic restriction process, and if they do, to determine in which areas they have problems with sleep, as well as to examine the relationship of sleep disorder with chronotype and coronavirus anxiety. Materials and Methods: In April-November 2020, 98 patients attending Kocaeli University Child Psychiatry clinics and attending primary school 1-4th grade were recruited. "Sociodemographic Form", "Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire", and "Children's Chronotype Questionnaire" were applied to the parents. The short form of the "Coronavirus Anxiety Scale" and the information form about the pandemic process were applied to the children. Results: According to the sleep habits questionnaire, 70.4% of the group had clinically significant sleep problems. The most common sleep disorders observed in our study;are bedtime resistance, delayed falling asleep, and nighttime awakenings. A significant relationship was found between physical illness in the family (p=0.019), smoking (p=0.032), sleep pattern change during the pandemic (p=0.002), sleep change of the mother (p=0.006) and/or father (p=0.035), change in appetite (p=0.010), and sleep disorder. According to the chronotype scale, 66 children were morning and children's anxiety toward coronavirus was low. Conclusion: Our study shows that sleep disturbance in children is marked during the pandemic period, but this is due to changes in sleep patterns and parents' sleep rather than problems related to anxiety or chronotype associated with the pandemic. It will be useful to question these factors and make arrangements in this direction when evaluating the sleep-related problems of patients who apply to outpatient clinics. (English) [ FROM AUTHOR] Amaç: Bu çalışmada, Koronavirüs hastalığı-2019 (COVID-19) pandemisi kısıtlama sürecinde çocukların uyku bozukluğu yaşayıp yaşamadığının, eğer yaşıyorlarsa uyku ile ilgili hangi alanlarda sorun yaşadıklarının saptanması, ayrıca uyku bozukluğunun kronotip ve Koronavirüs anksiyetesi ile ilişkisinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Nisan-Kasım 2020 tarihleri arasında Kocaeli Üniversitesi Çocuk ve Ergen Psikiyatri polikliniklerine başvuran;ilkokul 1-4. sınıfa giden 98 hasta çalışmaya dahil edilmiştir. Ebeveynlere "Sosyodemografik Bilgi Formu", "Çocuk Uyku Alışkanlıkları Anketi", "Çocukluk Dönemi Kronotip Anketi";çocuklara ise "Koronavirus Anksiyete Ölçeği Kısa Formu" ve pandemi süreci ile ilgili beş maddeden oluşan bilgi formu uygulanmıştır. Bulgular: Uyku alışkanlıkları anketi toplam puanına bakıldığında, grubun %70,4'ünün klinik olarak anlamlı düzeyde uyku sorunu yaşadığı saptanmıştır. Çalışmamızda gözlenen en yaygın uyku bozuklukları;yatma zamanı direnci, uykuya dalmanın gecikmesi ve gece uyanmalarıdır. Ailede fiziksel hastalık (p=0,019), sigara kullanımı (p=0,032), pandemide uyku düzen değişikliği (p=0,002), annenin uyku değişimi (p=0,006), babanın uyku değişimi (p=0,035), ve iştah değişimi (p=0,010) ile uyku bozukluğu arasında anlamlı ilişki saptanmıştır. Kronotip ölçeğine göre 66 çocuğun sabahçı, 31 çocuğun ara form, bir çocuğun ise akşamcı olduğu gözlenmiştir. Çocukların Koronavirüse yönelik anksiyetesinin düşük olduğu saptanmıştır. Sonuç: Çalışmamız, çocuklarda pandemi döneminde uyku bozukluğunun belirgin düzeyde olduğunu ancak bu durumun pandemi ile ilişkili anksiyete ya da kronotip ile ilgili sorunlardan çok, uyku düzenlerindeki değişiklik ve ebeveynlerin uykusundaki değişimlerden kaynaklandığını göstermektedir. Polikliniklere başvuran hastaların uyku ile ilgili sorunları değerlendirilirken bu faktörlerin sorgulanması ve bu yönde düzenlemeler yapılması yararlı olacaktır. (Turkish) [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Turkish Sleep Medicine is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Sleep Disorders and Associated Factors in Children Who Admitted to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinics During the Pandemic

Objective: This study determined whether children have sleep disorders during the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic restriction process, and if they do, to determine in which areas they have problems with sleep, as well as to examine the relationship of sleep disorder with chronotype and coronavirus anxiety. Materials and Methods: In April-November 2020, 98 patients attending Kocaeli University Child Psychiatry clinics and attending primary school 1-4th grade were recruited. "Sociodemographic Form", "Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire", and "Children's Chronotype Questionnaire" were applied to the parents. The short form of the "Coronavirus Anxiety Scale" and the information form about the pandemic process were applied to the children. Results: According to the sleep habits questionnaire, 70.4% of the group had clinically significant sleep problems. The most common sleep disorders observed in our study;are bedtime resistance, delayed falling asleep, and nighttime awakenings. A significant relationship was found between physical illness in the family (p=0.019), smoking (p=0.032), sleep pattern change during the pandemic (p=0.002), sleep change of the mother (p=0.006) and/or father (p=0.035), change in appetite (p=0.010), and sleep disorder. According to the chronotype scale, 66 children were morning and children's anxiety toward coronavirus was low. Conclusion: Our study shows that sleep disturbance in children is marked during the pandemic period, but this is due to changes in sleep patterns and parents' sleep rather than problems related to anxiety or chronotype associated with the pandemic. It will be useful to question these factors and make arrangements in this direction when evaluating the sleep-related problems of patients who apply to outpatient clinics. (English) [ FROM AUTHOR] Amaç: Bu çalışmada, Koronavirüs hastalığı-2019 (COVID-19) pandemisi kısıtlama sürecinde çocukların uyku bozukluğu yaşayıp yaşamadığının, eğer yaşıyorlarsa uyku ile ilgili hangi alanlarda sorun yaşadıklarının saptanması, ayrıca uyku bozukluğunun kronotip ve Koronavirüs anksiyetesi ile ilişkisinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Nisan-Kasım 2020 tarihleri arasında Kocaeli Üniversitesi Çocuk ve Ergen Psikiyatri polikliniklerine başvuran;ilkokul 1-4. sınıfa giden 98 hasta çalışmaya dahil edilmiştir. Ebeveynlere "Sosyodemografik Bilgi Formu", "Çocuk Uyku Alışkanlıkları Anketi", "Çocukluk Dönemi Kronotip Anketi";çocuklara ise "Koronavirus Anksiyete Ölçeği Kısa Formu" ve pandemi süreci ile ilgili beş maddeden oluşan bilgi formu uygulanmıştır. Bulgular: Uyku alışkanlıkları anketi toplam puanına bakıldığında, grubun %70,4'ünün klinik olarak anlamlı düzeyde uyku sorunu yaşadığı saptanmıştır. Çalışmamızda gözlenen en yaygın uyku bozuklukları;yatma zamanı direnci, uykuya dalmanın gecikmesi ve gece uyanmalarıdır. Ailede fiziksel hastalık (p=0,019), sigara kullanımı (p=0,032), pandemide uyku düzen değişikliği (p=0,002), annenin uyku değişimi (p=0,006), babanın uyku değişimi (p=0,035), ve iştah değişimi (p=0,010) ile uyku bozukluğu arasında anlamlı ilişki saptanmıştır. Kronotip ölçeğine göre 66 çocuğun sabahçı, 31 çocuğun ara form, bir çocuğun ise akşamcı olduğu gözlenmiştir. Çocukların Koronavirüse yönelik anksiyetesinin düşük olduğu saptanmıştır. Sonuç: Çalışmamız, çocuklarda pandemi döneminde uyku bozukluğunun belirgin düzeyde olduğunu ancak bu durumun pandemi ile ilişkili anksiyete ya da kronotip ile ilgili sorunlardan çok, uyku düzenlerindeki değişiklik ve ebeveynlerin uykusundaki değişimlerden kaynaklandığını göstermektedir. Polikliniklere başvuran hastaların uyku ile ilgili sorunları değerlendirilirken bu faktörlerin sorgulanması ve bu yönde düzenlemeler yapılması yararlı olacaktır. (Turkish) [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Turkish Sleep Medicine is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Weight status of working adults: The effects of eating misalignment, chronotype, and eating jetlag during mandatory confinement.

This study aimed to examine the association between chronotype, eating jetlag, and eating misalignment with weight status among Malaysian adults during the COVID-19 restriction. This online cross-sectional study included 175 working adults recruited from March to July 2020. The chronotype was assessed using Morningness Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) while eating jetlag and mealtime variability were measured using Chrononutrition Profile Questionnaire (CPQ). Multiple linear regression demonstrated that lower breakfast frequency (ß = -0.258, p = .002) and longer eating duration (ß = 0.393, p < .001) were associated with later first eating events on workfree days. Both intermediate (ß = 0.543, p < .001) and evening chronotypes (ß = 0.523, p = .001) tend to eat their first meals later compared to morning person. Similar patterns were observed for overall eating jetlaggers in which lower breakfast frequency (ß = -0.022, p = .011), longer eating duration (ß = 0.293, p < .001), intermediate chronotype (ß = 0.512, p < .001), and evening chronotype (ß = 0.495, p = .003) were associated with eating later meals on workfree days. Additionally, higher BMI was also associated with eating later meals on workfree days (ß = 0.181, p = .025). During movement restriction, discrepancies of mealtimes during work and workfree days offer new insight into modern eating habits that can influence weight status and general eating habits such as breakfast skipping and total daily eating duration. Population meal timing variability was affected during movement restrictions, and it was closely related to weight status.

Chrononutrition behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic and its relationship with body weight among college students.

Introduction: Students in colleges are exposed to unhealthy lifestyles and poor dietary choices. They are at risk of being overweight, skipping meals, and developing eating disorders. However, there is a paucity of information on their chrononutrition behavior, which is very important, especially concerning the timing of food consumption across the day. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate chrononutrition behavior and its potential association with body weight status among college students in Malaysia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 409 college students aged above 18 in Malaysia. The chrononutrition behavior was assessed using the validated Chrononutrition Profile Questionnaire (CP-Q). The questionnaire was distributed using an online platform. Participants self-reported their body weight and height, and the Body Mass Index (BMI) was computed. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software. Results: A total of 409 participants were recruited, with a mean age of 21.5 ± 2.2 years. The prevalence of underweight, normal, and overweight was 24.7, 49.4, and 25.9%, respectively. The chrononutrition behavior revealed that participants ate breakfast about four times/week (mean 4.27 ± 2.43 days), and only 135 (33.0%) consumed breakfast daily. The largest meal consumed was during lunch (75.8%), and the mean of snacking after the last meal was 3.23 ± 2.01 days. The prevalence of night eating was low, and most participants (70.9) did not wake up at night to eat. The frequency, however, was significantly higher in the underweight group compared to the normal weight group (p < 0.05). We observed a significant association between BMI and eating window, evening latency, evening eating, and night eating. It was found that the underweight had a poor eating window (p < 0.01), poor evening latency (p < 0.01), poor evening eating (p < 0.01), and poor night eating (p < 0.05) compared to those with normal and overweight BMI groups. In contrast to predictions, poor chrononutrition behavior was more likely to predict being underweight compared to normal (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Underweight young adults are more likely to have poor chrononutrition behavior. The results of the present study suggest that future nutrition education should also focus on the chrononutrition behavior of college students.

Changes in Sleep Regularity and Perceived Life Stress across the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Analysis of a Predominately Female United States Convenience Sample.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a profound impact on sleep and psychological well-being for individuals worldwide. This pre-registered investigation extends our prior study by tracking self-reported social jetlag (SJL), social sleep restriction (SSR), and perceived life stress from May 2020 through October 2021. Using web-based surveys, we collected self-reported sleep information with the Ultrashort Munich Chronotype Questionnaire at three additional timepoints (September 2020, February 2021 and October 2021). Further, we measured perceived life stress with the Perceived Stress Scale at two additional timepoints (February 2021 and October 2021). In a subsample of 181, predominantly female (87%), United States adults aged 19-89 years, we expanded our prior findings by showing that the precipitous drop in SJL during the pandemic first wave (May 2020), compared to pre-pandemic (February, 2020), rapidly rose with loosening social restrictions (September 2020), though never returned to pre-pandemic levels. This effect was greatest in young adults, but not associated with self-reported chronotype. Further, perceived life stress decreased across the pandemic, but was unrelated to SJL or SSR. These findings suggest that sleep schedules were sensitive to pandemic-related changes in social restrictions, especially in younger participants. We posit several possible mechanisms supporting these findings.

Sleep and Circadian Rhythm in Relation to COVID-19 and COVID-19 Vaccination-National Sleep Survey of South Korea 2022.

BACKGROUND: Currently, information on sleep and circadian patterns in relation to COVID-19 or vaccination remains limited. We aimed to investigate sleep and circadian patterns according to history of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination side effects. METHODS: We used data from the National Sleep Survey of South Korea 2022, a nationwide cross-sectional population-based survey regarding sleep-wake behaviors and sleep problems among Korean adults. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the different sleep and circadian patterns according to the history of COVID-19 or self-reported side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination. RESULTS: The ANCOVA showed that individuals with a history of COVID-19 presented a later chronotype than individuals without a history of COVID-19. Individuals who had experienced vaccine-related side effects had a shorter sleep duration, poorer sleep efficiency, and worse insomnia severity. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a later chronotype related to COVID-19. A short sleep duration, poorer sleep efficiency, and worse insomnia severity were associated with self-reported side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals who recovered from COVID-19 had a later chronotype than those without a history of COVID-19. Individuals who had experienced vaccine-related side effects presented with poorer sleep than those without side effects.

Associations of chronotype and social jetlag with eating jetlag and their changes among German students during the first COVID-19 lockdown. The Chronotype and Nutrition study.

Due to their biologically later chronotype, young students are vulnerable to a discrepant sleeping pattern between work- and free days, coined social jetlag (SJL). This study examined whether a later chronotype and/or a larger SJL are related to an analogous discrepancy in meal timing defined as eating jetlag (EJL) and whether chronotype and/or changes in SJL during the first COVID-19 related lockdown in Germany associated with changes in EJL. Baseline data were collected from September 2019-January 2020 among 317 students (58% females) aged 18-25 years of which a total of 156 students (67% females) completed an online follow-up survey in June-July 2020 (1st lockdown). Data were collected on daily routines, timing of meals/snacks, and physical activity. Chronotype was determined using the Munich ChronoType Questionnaire; SJL and EJL correspond to the difference in the daily midpoint of sleep/eating duration between work- and free days. Multivariable linear regression revealed that students with a later chronotype or a larger SJL experienced a larger EJL (padjusted = 0.0124 and padjusted<0.0001). A later chronotype at baseline and reductions in SJL during lockdown associated with concurrent reductions in EJL (padjusted = 0.027 and padjusted<0.0001). In conclusion, students with a later chronotype exhibit a more erratic meal pattern, which associates with SJL. During lockdown, flexible daily schedules allowed students to align the meal timing with their inner clock.

Factors associated with insomnia symptoms: A cross-sectional study during a Covid-19 fully restrictive lockdown.

Insomnia is the most frequent sleep disorder and a public health concern that increased during the Covid 19 pandemic. Fully restrictive lockdowns during Covid are interesting periods to examine the impact of environmental and behavioural changes on the emergence of insomnia symptoms. In this cross-sectional study we aimed to (1) determine the main factors associated with insomnia symptoms during a Covid-19 fully restrictive lockdown examining the associated daily life alterations and (2) create a predictive model of insomnia symptoms. We used the data drawn from the "Covid-RythmE" study that reached volunteers from the general French population through an online survey during the last 2 weeks of the 2 month full lockdown. Associations with insomnia symptoms were tested and significant associations were entered in a Backward Stepwise Logistic Regression (BSLR) to assess the best combination to classify individuals with or without insomnia symptoms. From the 1624 participants, 50.64% suffered from mild to severe insomnia symptoms as assessed by the ISI. The best combination for explaining insomnia symptoms with 74.26% of accuracy included: age (OR = 1.15), females (OR = 1.26), smaller home sizes (OR = 0.77), environmental noises (OR = 1.59), anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.24), depressive symptoms (OR = 1.15), regularity of sleep-wake schedules (OR = 1.25), exposure to screen during the morning (OR = 1.13), and LED light during the evening (OR = 1.17). Thus, lifestyle schedule and exposure to natural synchronizers such as light, are primordial in considering in insomnia physiopathology, prevention and treatment, as well as the associated mental health status.

Normal lark, deviant owl: The relationship between chronotype and compliance with COVID-19 mitigation measures.

Current evidence suggests that preventive measures, such as social distancing and wearing face masks, are critical to contain the spread of COVID-19. The recent burgeoning literature has empirically examined how a wide range of facet-level personality and individual-differences variables are associated with people's adherence to COVID-19 regulations. However, there lacks direct evidence regarding the role of chronotype in compliance with pandemic safety measures. According to the eveningness epidemiological liability hypothesis, people of later chronotype are more likely to breach COVID-19 restrictions. Despite this hypothesis shedding considerable light on the potential role of chronotype in the abidance of the virus-mitigating measures, it has not been rigorously tested using empirical data. To fill this gap, the present research investigated the link between morningness-eveningness and compliance with COVID-19 containment policies in Chinese samples. Two studies using multiple populations (students and community adults) and diverse measures of adherence to public health guidelines (self-report and actual behavior) consistently show that individuals who orient towards morningness display a higher level of compliance with COVID-19 prevention than people who orient towards eveningness. Overall, these findings present the first empirical confirmation of the eveningness epidemiological liability hypothesis, highlighting the role of chronotype in adherence to COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

Association of Delayed Sleep/Wake Rhythm with Depression During the First COVID-19 Lockdown in France.

Purpose: The containment of the population during the COVID-19 pandemic led to the emergence or recurrence of psychiatric conditions and sleep disorders. The influence of sleep/wake rhythm on mental health is well known. The objective of our study was to evaluate the link between the shift in sleep/wake rhythm and the presence of depressive symptoms during the March to May 2020 lockdown in the French population. Participants and Methods: Participants (n = 2513) were recruited via newspapers and social networks in March 2020. We evaluated i) the chronotype before and during the lockdown, assessed by the change in mid-sleep time on work-free days corrected for sleep debt on workdays (delta MSFsc); ii) morningness-eveningness circadian preference (Horne & Ostberg questionnaire); iii) depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, PHQ-9). The delta MSFsc and the PHQ-9 score were compared between circadian preference types. A multivariate model adjusted for age, sex, circadian preference, housing type, and marital status was used to assess the influence of delta MSFsc on the PHQ-9 score in the whole population. Results: The population consisted of 77% women, of median (IQR) age 39 (30-48) years. Compared with the pre-lockdown period, the median (IQR) MSFsc was shifted by 30 (0-66) min during the lockdown, with a significant difference between evening [60 (15-120) min], morning [15 (0-46) min] and neutral [30 (0-70) min] circadian type individuals, p < 0.001. One-third of all participants had moderate to severe depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10). A 1-hour shift in MSFsc was associated with a 0.50-point increase [95% CI (0.28; 0.72), p < 0.001] in the PHQ-9. Conclusion: A phase delay in the chronotype was observed in the general population during lockdown. Such disruption was associated with depressive symptoms but the direction of the relationship remains hypothetical. The impact on mental health of preventive measures targeting the sleep/wake rhythm in this context needs further evaluation.

A Preliminary Study on Acute Otitis Media in Spanish Children with Late Dinner Habits.

The timing of caloric intake plays an important role in the long-term process that leads to communicable diseases. The primary objective of this study was to analyse whether children who ate dinner early were at lower risks of acute respiratory infections than children who ate dinner late during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2020 on children attending Majorcan emergency services. Our survey on dinner time habits was carried out by using self-administered questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 669 children were included in this study. The median dinner time was 8:30 pm. Late dinner eaters accounted for a higher proportion of acute otitis media (7% vs. 3%; p = 0.028) than early dinner eaters. Other infectious diseases were not associated with dinner time habits. CONCLUSIONS: We make a preliminary estimate of the link between late dinner habits and acute otitis media in children. However, no conclusions about causality can be established due to the observational design of the study, and further research is needed in order to confirm the different issues raised by our initial exploration of an emerging research area.

The relationship between chronotype, night eating behavior and fear of COVID-19 in academics.

Academics are an occupational group that works at an intense pace. The number of studies on chronotype and night eating behavior in academics is limited, and there is insufficient data on whether fear of COVID-19 is also a risk for developing eating disorders. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between chronotype and night eating syndrome (NES) and examine the influence of fear of COVID-19 on night eating behavior in academics. The study data were collected using the personal information form, "Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, The Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ), and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale." According to the chronotypes of the academicians, it was determined that the score compatible with NES and the scores of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale differed statistically significantly, and the score compatible with NES and Fear of COVID-19 Scale scores were also higher in the evening type at a rate of 29.2% compared to other chronotypes (p < .05). The Fear of COVID-19 scale and Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire scores were significantly correlated with the Night Eating Questionnaire (R = .391 R2 = .153 p < .05). The variables of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale and the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire explained 15% of the total variance of the Night Eating Questionnaire scores. Considering that academics are a group that works without the concept of overtime and whose work intensity is high, it is clear that studies should be conducted to raise awareness to protect the physical health of academics and prevent the development of eating disorders. There is a need for studies that question the relationship between chronotype, diet, and health.

Mi Reloj Interno (My endogenous clock): an evidence-based mobile-app to improve sleep and circadian rhythms

Introduction: The human circadian clock is daily entrained by both light exposure and daily social schedules, which were severely affected during the pandemic-associated lockdown. In a previous work we found that after one month of lockdown, Argentinian residents exhibited later chronotypes compared with a pre-pandemic situation, despite they slept longer and showed less social jetlag (Leone M.J. et al, Current Biology). In this study, we collected an independent set of local data with the aim to develop an evidence-based mobile app that offers customized recommendations to improve and maintain healthy sleep and circadian rhythms. Materials and methods: Data was collected throughout a phone/website survey between July and September 2020 (n=4460, after 4-6 months into lockdown) in Argentina. The survey included questions about demographic factors, habits, and previously standardized and validated questionnaires (MEQ, MCTQ, PSQI). Data from Buenos Aires city and suburbs (n=3246) was calibrated to match the population distribution and it was used to run the main analyses. The rest of the database was used to validate results. We conducted a cross validation process using linear models, which included a feature selection process to find the most relevant regressors to fit each chronotype and sleep-related variable. For a given age and gender, each model predicted a set of optimal values for the regressors (e.g. sunlight exposure, regular activities) where the dependent variable is maximized (or minimized). Finally, the recommendation system is based on the comparison between optimal and actual values for each predictor, considering the most affected variables. Results: The final calibrated sample (age: 41.3±15.5, 67% female) shows late chronotypes (MSFsc: 06:00±11min, MEQ score: 49.42±11.3), low levels of social jetlag (0.99h±1.09) and considerable long sleep duration on weekdays (7.31h±1.43). The regressors which significantly affect at least one variable were light exposure, use of alarm, naps and regular activities (and its timing, i.e. work, study, dinner, other activities) as well as age and gender (and interactions). We found no effects of cohabitation, exercise timing and use of screens. The optimal levels of the selected regressors were used to build the recommendation system (i.e. algorithm) on which the mobile app MiRelojInterno is based (available for both Android and iOS platforms, www.mirelojinterno.org). Conclusions: We developed a mobile app based on local evidence that inquires about habits, chronotype and sleep, returns to its users an overview of their current state -including all variables and predictors- along with customized recommendations with the aim to create awareness and improve and maintain healthy sleep and circadian rhythms depending on the age, gender and habits. Acknowledgements: This research project was supported by CONICET and Agencia I+D+i (IP-COVID19-679).