(Focus - Singapore)
The pandemic also necessitated an abrupt adjustment to how people work, and the resulted disruption in work-life balance has its manifestations, one of which is Insomnia. To provide more insights on Insomnia during the COVID-19, here is our discussion with Dr. Lim Chung Khee, a general practitioner from Singapore who believes in a vital role of primary care in managing Insomnia.
Symptoms of Insomnia mainly involve mental complaints like lack of attention mood swings. Some people even have anxiety or depression.
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder in Singapore, with a local reported rate of 15.3%1 and 13.7% of elderly (aged 60 and above) reported experiencing insomnia. What do you think are the reasons behind this based on your practice?
Dr. Lim: Naturally, their sleep patterns become disrupted when people get older. However, late-night usage of technological devices also tends to disturb sleep. Of course, people have to do conference calls at night with their colleagues in the other part of the world, which is disruptive for sleep.
We understand that being unable to fall asleep could be easily neglected or misinterpreted. Are there any tell-tale signs to identify sleeplessness as Insomnia?
Dr. Lim: Symptoms of Insomnia mainly involve mental complaints like lack of attention mood swings. Some people even have anxiety or depression.
Are any other common symptoms to identify Insomnia?
Dr. Lim: Symptoms of Insomnia mainly involve mental complaints like lack of attention mood swings. Some people even have anxiety or depression.
When should someone suffering from sleeplessness consult a physician?
Dr. Lim: If a person is suffering from sleeplessness for more than two weeks, they should consult a physician.
Primary care is considered the bedrock of the healthcare system. In this context, what are your thoughts on the role of primary care in the management of Insomnia?
Dr. Lim: I think primary care is the most important space for patients to deal with Insomnia. So, one can say that primary care should be the main battleground against Insomnia.
One of the biggest things that affect people is difficulty delineating personal and professional life. The stress and anxiety related to COVID also negatively affect one's sleep. As compared to pre-COVID times, during the pandemic, there was approx. 20% increase in insomnia cases.
Any insights from your practice doctor?
Dr. Lim: I think mainly with the inability to travel freely, working for longer hours, taking late-night calls, and even the stress of the pandemic has affected sleep. These can be considered the most common side effects of the COVID pandemic.
A global sleep study by a health technology company Philips, released on March 17, 2021, found that 51% of Singaporeans have lost sleep over work, finances, and COVID-19 related news. We have heard of this phenomenon called Corona-somnia or COVID-somnia. You said that you observed this in your practice as well. Can you tell us more about COVID-somnia?
Dr. Lim: One of the biggest things that affect people is difficulty delineating personal and professional life. The stress and anxiety related to COVID also negatively affect one's sleep. As compared to pre-COVID times, during the pandemic, there was approx. 20% increase in insomnia cases.
How can Covid-somnia be addressed?
Dr. Lim: Of course, medication is one aspect. There are many ways to medicate patients to help them try and regain their sleep patterns.
But I think that one of how we can address this is by making a person understand the importance of work-life balance, especially during work from the home period. Companies and organizations should start to deal with this situation by limiting the number of days or hours employees can work.
Last but not least, what is your key takeaway message for someone having an issue with falling asleep?
Dr. Lim: Insomnia will never go away if the person does not proactively seek help. It is always good to reach out to medical professionals and use their advice to ensure work-life balance. Then, of course, people must limit the number of stimulating activities before going to bed.
Thank you for sharing your insights on Insomnia.
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