*3.7. Sleep*

Results showed a significant decrease in the percentage of participants who reported sleeping less than seven hours per night from 51.7% before the pandemic to 39% during the pandemic (*p* < 0.001) (Table 8). However, a higher percentage of participants reported poor sleep quality during the pandemic (28.1%) compared to before the pandemic (17.3) (*p* < 0.001), and sleep disturbances were also more common during the pandemic (60.8%) compared to before (52.9%). Consequently, 30.9% of the surveyed participants reported feeling lazy and less energized during the pandemic, compared to only 4.7% before the pandemic (*p* < 0.001) (Table 8).

An analysis of weight and behavioral factors by sex and age groups is depicted in Table 9. Significantly more males reported decreased engagemen<sup>t</sup> in physical activity (50% vs. 39.3%; *p* = 0.013) and increased screen time (54.5% vs. 51%; *p* = 0.002). Sleep disturbances increase was, however, significantly higher in females (*p* = 0.011). Moreover, those aged over 36 years reported a higher weight gain as well as an increase in the number of meals consumed per day (*p* = 0.042 and *p* = 0.024, respectively). Sleep duration and quality was most affected among participants aged 18–35 (*p* < 0.001). There was no significant association between different education levels and lifestyle changes (Table 9).


**Table 8.** Sleep pre- and during COVID-19 pandemic (*n* = 1012).

\* As multiple responses were allowed, the total number of responses is greater than the number of surveyed participants and the percent of cases is displayed.


**Table 9.** Lifestyle changes during COVID-19 pandemic by demographic factors (*n* = 1012).


**Table 9.** *Cont.*

*p* value was based on chi-square test at 5% level.
