Background: Individuals with severe mental illnesses, especially those with Bipolar Disorder (BD), it is possible to be at high risk for adverse mental health outcomes associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Cοvid-19) pandemic. Purpose: So far, little is known about how imposed restrictions affect sleep, which is frequently disrupted in patients with BD. Thus, the purpose of this systematic review was to examine the impact of Covid-19 on the sleep quality of individuals with BD. Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus databases according to PRISMA guidelines for studies published between January 2019 and June 2022. The last step of the search yielded 8 original studies. In all studies, participants completed self-ratings of symptom severity and daily mood experiences, while most assessments were conducted via telephone, by a psychiatrist, or a psychologist. The diagnosis was made according to DSM-5 criteria. Results: Studies compared healthy individuals to people with BD or people with mental illnesses (BD vs. depression or schizophrenia). Comparison between people with mental illness and those with BD did not reveal significant differences in ratings of sleep duration, but there were differences in sleep routines and sleep quality, with the first group reporting worse results. Four studies demonstrated more sleep disruptions and changes in patients with mental illness (schizophrenia or anxiety or depression or psychotic disorders) than people with BD and four others showed worse sleep quality in individuals with BD than healthy controls. In general, it is observed that people with mental illness-especially with BD-showed worse sleep quality than healthy controls, but patients with BD did not have difficulties in sleep compared to those with depression, schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, and anxiety. Conclusion: As the evolution of Covid-19 still remains uncertain, it is essential to stay vigilant for warning indications of unhealthy daily routines, such as disordered sleep, in high-risk populations with psychiatric illnesses.
Cite this paper
Mourtou, L. , Papapanou, T. , Bacopoulou, F. , Ferentinos, P. and Kanaka-Gantenbein, C. (2022). The Impact of the Lockdown during Covid-19 Outbreak on the Sleep Quality of People with Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review. Open Access Library Journal, 9, e9154. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1109154.
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