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Long-term Effects of COVID-19 on Sleep Patterns
Salma Batool-Anwar1, Olabimpe S Fashanu1, Stuart F Quan2
1Clinic of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts, United States of America
Thoracic Research and Practice
|December 12, 2024
Summary
Long COVID significantly disrupts sleep, causing insomnia and daytime sleepiness in many adults for over a year. This study highlights the persistent sleep disturbances following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Public Health
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic with potential long-term health consequences.
- Sleep disturbances are common but their long-term impact post-COVID-19 requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of COVID-19 on sleep patterns.
- To determine the prevalence of sleep disorders after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To raise public health awareness regarding persistent post-COVID symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Massachusetts General Brigham Research Patient Data Registry.
- Surveyed SARS-CoV-2 positive patients on sleep patterns before and after infection.
- Collected comorbid conditions and medication data via chart review.
Main Results:
- Increased difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep post-COVID-19 (p<0.01).
- Higher usage of sleep aids and decreased feeling of restfulness observed.
- Persistent sleep symptoms beyond 12 months reported by 28% of participants.
Conclusions:
- SARS-CoV-2 infection negatively impacts sleep quality and patterns.
- A significant proportion of adults experience insomnia and daytime sleepiness long after infection.
- Long-term sleep disturbances are a notable consequence of COVID-19.
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