Introduction

During the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, social media exposure and the use of electronic devices have increased; still, these behaviors may cause adverse health effects.

Objective

This study assessed sleep quality, insomnia, mood, and psychological aspects among physically ( n = 46) and non-physically ( n = 53) active individuals during self-isolation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and examined their association with smartphone addiction.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult Brazilian citizens in self-isolation for at least 60 days; ninety-nine volunteers from different Brazilian regions were enrolled in the online survey. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-Short Form, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Brunel Mood Scale, and the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version were used to assess the study outcomes.

Results

The results indicate moderate and large correlations of smartphone addiction with mood subscales, insomnia ( r = .52), anxiety ( r = .49), depression ( r = .49), and stress ( r = .49) symptoms. Also, it was observed that physically active participants were less addicted to smartphones than the non-physically active during self-isolation ( p < .01) and that the physically active ones had a better mood and lower anxiety ( p = .02), depression ( p < .01) and insomnia ( p < .01) levels.

Discussion and conclusion

These findings show the health implications of self-isolation and how essential it is to be physically active to avoid self-isolationʼs adverse psychological effects.

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