Ukrainians sleep an average of 40 minutes less due to the chronic stress caused by the war. Constant sirens, nightly alarms and blackouts lead to insomnia, panic attacks and problems with concentration. These problems are particularly acute in the frontline regions, and an increase in pregnancy complications is reported among women.
How the war affects Ukrainians' sleep
According to the scientist of the National Academy of Medical Sciences Bohdan Bozhuk, The average sleep duration of Ukrainians has decreased by 40 minutes. The reason for this is chronic stress, which has been exacerbated by the war. Constant air raid warning, sirens, and forced blackouts force people to wake up at night, which disrupts their normal sleep rhythm.
According to the information Ukrinform, doctors have noted an increase in the number of complaints of insomnia, panic attacks and difficulty concentrating. This is especially true for residents of the frontline regions, where the risk of nighttime shelling and anxiety is much higher.
Worsening of chronic diseases
In addition to sleep problems, doctors record a worsening of chronic diseases such as hypertension, arrhythmia and diabetes. Chronic stress and sleep deprivation can trigger exacerbations of these diseases. In the frontline areas, where the psychological burden is the highest, these problems are particularly acute.
According to experts, people with cardiovascular disease most often complain of feeling unwell after nights of frequent anxiety. Sleep disturbances also have a negative impact on blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes.
Particular risk for women and pregnant women
Doctors note that women experience psychological stress more often and more severely. During the war, women are at an increased risk of pregnancy complications. This is due to emotional stress, lack of rest, and sleep disturbances.
The increase in the number of pregnancy complications is recorded mainly in the regions most affected by the hostilities. Doctors emphasise that supporting women's mental health should be a priority for medical services.
Why it matters
Deterioration in sleep quality and exacerbation of chronic diseases pose additional challenges for Ukraine's healthcare system. Insufficient sleep leads to decreased performance, increased anxiety, and an increase in the number of serious complications in chronic patients.
For women, especially pregnant women, chronic stress and sleep disturbances can have long-term consequences for maternal and child health. Experts emphasise the need to develop mental health support programmes for the population, especially in frontline regions.
The situation with sleep and health of Ukrainians remains difficult, so attention to this issue by the state and NGOs is critical to overcoming the consequences of the war.
