Takeaway
Front-line healthcare providers throughout China who were dispatched to Wuhan to deal with the COVID-19 epidemic experienced significant sleep disturbances.
Why this matters
During the early COVID-19 epidemic, thousands of Chinese healthcare workers throughout the country were dispatched to work in the epicenter, Wuhan. This is the first study to examine the effects of unfamiliar working environments and potential viral exposure on sleep and emotional outcomes. The findings suggest that those working long hours and exposed to COVID-19 frequently experienced sleep disturbances, suggesting they should be supported through appropriate psychological interventions.