3 min
Updated: Feb 15, 2021
Increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia in response to stress are caused by an increase in cortisol levels, which decreases estrogen and progesterone levels. Lowered levels of estrogen are detected in the Amygdala region of the brain, the area responsible for emotions and moods. This is why women statistically have higher rates of depression and anxiety. The brain stem also has numerous estrogen receptors and when levels of estrogen are not optimal, women may have difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep. While estrogen is mainly considered a sex hormone, it also is very important to the female brain, and elevated stress and cortisol will affect circulating levels of estrogen and numerous neurological symptoms.
A new study by Frontiers in Global Women’s Health demonstrates greater adverse effects of life during the pandemic on the mental health of women when compared with men. Female participants of the study reported “lower quality of sleep, lower sleep efficiency, and greater symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, depression, and trauma.” According to the KKF Coronavirus poll, women worry more about the risk of exposure to Covid-19 and worry more about the negative impacts on their mental healths from Covid-19. Women were also reported to worry more about the health of their family and losing income due to a workplace closure or reduced hours. Women are also the primary caregivers in the home, which only adds to the overall amplified levels of stress.
One study on Chinese college students stuck in isolation during the height of the pandemic pointed to a solution to breaking the cycle. The study questioned the students on their sleep quality, negative emotions, aggression levels, and exercise levels. Initially, nearly half of the participants reported poor sleep quality and high levels of anxiety around Covid-19. The researchers found that 45 minutes of vigorous exercise a day during the pandemic “sufficiently reduced negative emotions.” Feelings of depression, anxiety, and aggression were all seen to decrease as physical activity increased in the participants. The researchers did report a “sweet spot” for the length of exercise, too little or too much exercise had negative effects on the mental health of participants, but 45 minutes of vigorous exercise was the perfect amount. The author of the study suggested that physical activity offsets the psychological burden and negative emotions brought on by the pandemic.