Evaluating sleep disturbances in patients recovering from COVID-19

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound impact on global health, extending beyond immediate viral infection symptoms to long-term neuropsychological consequences. The aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological well-being of affected patients, with a focus on its effects on sleep and overall mental health. METHODS Τhis survey-based study enrolled 300 individuals with a history of COVID-19, who had been hospitalized in a Greek hospital or had received home care, 12 months after the infection. The study was conducted from October 2022 to January 2023. We utilized a comprehensive questionnaire covering demographics, medical history, sleep quality (Athens Insomnia Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and mental health assessments [General Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Impact of Event Scale (COVID-19 version)] and we explored the associations between patients’ characteristics and COVID-19 disease data with the scores of these scales. RESULTS The majority of participants experienced significant sleep disturbances, with 52.7% of them reporting insomnia and 46.3% reporting poor sleep quality after 12 months from Covid-19 infection. Higher scores in the Impact of Event Scale (COVID-19 version) were significantly associated with worse sleep outcomes and increased anxiety and depression symptoms. Hospitalized patients displayed notably higher levels of stress and mental health disorders compared to non-hospitalized individuals. Psychological distress was significantly correlated with the severity of sleep disturbances and mental health issues. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 significantly affects sleep and mental health, especially in hospitalized patients. The findings suggest a complex, bi-directional relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and psychological health, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to manage the psychological aftermath of the pandemic.