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Persistent Sleep Disturbance Following Pandemic Lockdowns: Longitudinal Findings From the UK COVID-19 Symptom Study
Barbara Toson1, Nathan J Cheetham2, Julia R B Brown2,3
1Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Journal of Sleep Research
|June 8, 2026
Summary
High rates of sleep disturbance and fatigue persisted after COVID-19 pandemic restrictions lifted. These symptoms endured regardless of SARS-CoV-2 infection status or post-COVID-19 syndrome, indicating a need for proactive sleep assessments.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Sleep disturbance and fatigue were common during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Previous assessments were primarily cross-sectional.
- Longitudinal data post-lockdown cessation is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively assess sleep disturbances and fatigue after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.
- To determine the persistence of these symptoms in a large UK cohort.
- To investigate the association with SARS-CoV-2 infection and post-COVID-19 syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Prospective longitudinal study of 2390 participants from the COVID Symptom Study Biobank.
- Validated questionnaires administered at Autumn 2021 and Spring 2022.
- Generalized linear models used to analyze sleep, fatigue, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and post-COVID-19 syndrome.
Main Results:
- High levels of sleep disturbance and fatigue persisted post-lockdown, with no significant improvement over time.
- Symptoms remained independent of SARS-CoV-2 infection status or post-COVID-19 syndrome.
- Booster vaccination lowered sleepiness but increased restless legs syndrome risk.
Conclusions:
- Persistent sleep disturbances and fatigue post-pandemic require active management.
- Routine sleep assessment is recommended for individuals with ongoing post-pandemic fatigue, including those with post-COVID-19 syndrome.
- Sleep disruption during lockdown may have lasting effects if not addressed.
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