Good sleep is critical for wellbeing – including dementia prevention, good mental health, resistance to infection and cardiovascular health.

But the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown is placing people under huge stress, which may disturb sleep. Acute stress can cause insomnia and can trigger longer term sleep disturbance.

Disturbed sleep now may have an impact on current and future health for all, in particular those at risk of dementia.

Understanding stress and sleep

Researchers at the University of Bristol have launched SleepQuest, a new nationwide study to investigate this important area.

By hearing from a wide variety of people across the UK, the study team hope to gain a better understanding of how short-term stress impacts on long-term sleep.

This will allow them to learn what effect the outbreak is having and create advice on how to manage sleep throughout this crisis and beyond, to help people protect their sleep both in the short and long-term.

How can you help?

If you are over the age of 18 and live in the UK, the SleepQuest team are keen to hear from you.

Participants will be asked to complete two online questionnaires – one now, and a second in 6-12 month’s time when the COVID-19 pandemic has passed.

The questionnaire asks about sleep and attitudes towards sleep, mental health (anxiety and depression), quality of life, physical activity and general wellbeing, and takes approximately 20-30mins to complete.

Take part today

To take part in this study and see if you are eligible for others around the UK, login to your Join Dementia Research account.

Not registered with Join Dementia Research? Why not sign up today?