INVESTIGATING SLEEP QUALITY AND EMOTIONS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN HEALTH CARE WORKERS

* 1.
TITLE: INVESTIGATING SLEEP QUALITY AND EMOTIONS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
 
INVESTIGATORS:
Dr. Giuseppe Iaria, Faculty of Arts, 
Department of Psychology,
University of Calgary 
Phone: 403.220.8482 
Email: giaria@ucalgary.ca                                                                                                                                  
 
Dr. Veronica Guadagni, Cumming School of Medicine,
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology,
University of Calgary
Phone: 403.210.6506
Email: vguadagn@ucalgary.ca
 
 
INTRODUCTION
 
Dr. Giuseppe Iaria and Dr. Veronica Guadagni from the Psychology Department and from the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary are conducting a research study.
 
This consent form is only part of the process of informed consent. It should give you the basic idea of what the research is about and what your participation will involve. If you would like more detail about something mentioned here, or information not included here, please ask. Take the time to read this carefully and to understand any accompanying information. You will receive a copy of this form for your records.
 
The University of Calgary Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board has approved this research study.
 
Your participation in this research study is voluntary and you may withdraw at any point. Should you withdraw, contact Veronica Guadagni (vguadagn@ucalgary.ca). Anonymous data collected until time of withdrawal may be retained.
 
This study will examine the effects of social isolation and social distancing during the COVID 19 pandemic on sleep and emotion processing. Specifically, it will look at how isolation impacts sleep quality and, in turns, our ability to relate emotionally to others (empathy).
 
WHY IS THIS STUDY BEING DONE?
 
The study is done to better understand how changes in lifestyle due to the COVID 19 pandemic affects sleep and emotional processes. This is important given the beneficial effects of sleep on emotions, and therefore preventing a pandemic to affect this important function.
 
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I TAKE PART IN THIS STUDY?
 
If you volunteer to participate in this study, the researcher will ask you to complete online a series of questionnaires assessing quality of sleep, mood, physical activity and emotional processes.
 
HOW LONG WILL I BE IN THIS STUDY?
 
The total time required to complete the survey is approximately 20 minutes. There will be no post-trial requirements.
 
ARE THERE ANY POTENTIAL RISKS OR DISCOMFORTS THAT I CAN EXPECT FROM THIS STUDY?
 
There are no risks associated with participating in the study. You may withdraw at any point if you feel uncomfortable with the questions asked and prefer not to finish the study.
 
ARE THERE ANY POTENTIAL BENEFITS IF I PARTICIPATE?
 
There will be no direct benefit to you from participating in this study. However, this study may help the researchers learn more about how changes in lifestyle due to the COVID-19 pandemic affects the quality of sleep and emotional processes.
 
CAN I STOP BEING IN THE STUDY?
 
Your participation in this research study is voluntary and you may withdraw at any point. Anonymous data collected until time of withdrawal may be retained.