Impact of sleep disturbances on COVID-19 and long COVID

Impact of sleep disturbances on COVID-19 and long COVID A recent study highlights the significant impact of sleep disturbances on individua...

Impact of sleep disturbances on COVID-19 and long COVID

A recent study highlights the significant impact of sleep disturbances on individuals who have experienced COVID-19, including those with long COVID. Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia and nonrestorative sleep, have been reported by a large proportion of COVID-19 survivors, even among those with mild cases of the illness​ (Sleep Foundation)​​ (Cleveland Clinic)​.

Key findings from various studies include:

• A study published in Frontiers in Public Health found that 76% of participants who had recovered from COVID-19 experienced insomnia, with almost one-quarter experiencing severe insomnia. These findings are significantly higher compared to the general population, where insomnia rates typically range from 10% to 20%​ (Sleep Foundation)​.

• Data from the Cleveland Clinic’s reCOVer Clinic indicated that 41% of long COVID patients reported moderate sleep disturbances, while 8% experienced severe disturbances. The study also found that sleep issues were more prevalent among certain demographics, including those who had been hospitalized for COVID-19 and individuals with mood disorders​ (Cleveland Clinic)​.

• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has launched clinical trials under the RECOVER Initiative to explore treatments for long-term symptoms of COVID-19, including sleep disturbances. These trials will investigate interventions such as medications for hypersomnia, melatonin, light therapy, and structured pacing programs for managing symptoms like post-exertional malaise​ (National Institutes of Health (NIH))​.

Overall, these findings underscore the need for comprehensive interventions to address the psychological and sleep health of COVID-19 patients during and after recovery. Addressing these sleep disturbances is crucial for improving the quality of life and overall health outcomes for those affected by long COVID.

For more details, you can refer to the sources from NIH, Sleep Foundation, and Cleveland Clinic.