0137 The effect of the 2020 US Presidential election on sleep and its relationship to public mood and alcohol consumption

Abstract Introduction Major events, such as the Super Bowl, World Cup, elections, and disasters can influence the general public's affective state in both positive and negative directions. More recently, evidence has indicated that other affect-related processes, such as sleep, may be similarly influenced, but the relationship between changes in sleep and emotion metrics in the wake of these significant events remains unknown. Here, we investigated the extent that a major sociopolitical event – the 2020 US presidential election – impacted sleep, measures of public mood and emotional well-being, and alcohol consumption. We also explored the relationship between changes in sleep, affect, and alcohol consumption during the peak period of election stress. Methods A non-representative, convenience sample of US-residing (n = 437) and non-US-residing (n = 106) participants were recruited online for participation as part of the Boston College COVID-19 Sleep and Well-Being Study (https://osf.io/gpxwa/). For the present analysis, participants were responded to daily surveys via email assessing their affect, sleep, and alcohol consumption during a baseline period (October 1-13, 2020) and in the days surrounding the 2020 US Election (October 30-November 12, 2020). Results Changes following the election were investigated separately for US and non-US participants. Election Day evoked a significant reduction in sleep duration and efficiency, coupled with heightened stress, negative affect, and increased alcohol use. While the impact was greater for US participants in a number of domains, non-US residents also reported sleep loss and increased stress on Election night compared to baseline. Across participants, changes in emotional well-being and alcohol consumption on Election Day correlated with changes in sleep metrics on Election Night. Conclusion These results suggest that major sociopolitical events can have global impacts on sleep that interact with significant fluctuations in public mood and well-being. Further, while the largest impact is on the local population, these results suggest that globalization may extend the effects beyond borders. These findings provide an ecologically-relevant example of the relationship between daytime mood and subsequent sleep and highlight the potential impact of future sociopolitical events on public well-being. Support (if any) Project was supported by Boston College and a Small Research Grant from the Sleep Research Society Foundation