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Advanced Neurology The rising impact of sleep disorders in the post-pandemic era

the long-term impact of the pandemic on sleep and Many affected patients also suffer from chronic disorders
mental health outcomes. As societies traverse the recovery such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep
phases, understanding and resolving these interconnected apnea (CSA). Studies have increasingly identified OSA
issues remain vital for facilitating overall well-being after in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, indicating a higher
COVID-19. mortality risk. 8
4. Discussion Insomnia symptoms were prevalent during the
pandemic, primarily because of anxiety regarding the
Many behavioral alterations can result from sleep disorders, virus and disruptions in daily life. The quality of sleep has
including insomnia, sleep apnea, and parasomnia. been reported to be worse among younger individuals,
Difficulties in focusing, mood swings, irritability, and daily which has been further exacerbated by concerns regarding
exhaustion can all be induced by insufficient or poor-quality limited supplies and lifestyle changes. Health-care workers
sleep. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues encounter unique challenges, including inadequate
have been associated with long-term sleep deprivation. education, isolated work environments, and job insecurity,
Certain sleep disorders may also trigger unusual which contribute to anxiety, stress, PTSD, and depression
behaviors during sleep. For instance, people with rapid eye on a global scale.
movement sleep behavior disorder may experience vivid Insomnia rates have also increased significantly among
dreams, which could cause them to move or behave in older adults, who are particularly concerned about their
potentially harmful ways while asleep. Children with sleep- increased susceptibility to COVID-19 symptoms. Research
disordered breathing, such as obstructive sleep apnea, have suggests that the prevalence of insomnia symptoms is not
been shown to manifest more severe behavioral issues, directly correlated with age or sex. 9,10
including hyperactivity, inattention, and aggression.
1
Furthermore, sleep disturbances can exacerbate existing Figure 1 is a mind map that effectively summarizes the
clinical disorders and impede social cognition, behavior, cumulative impact of various factors, such as stress, lifestyle
and social interaction in individuals with autism spectrum adjustments, and health anxieties, on sleep patterns across
disorder. 2 different demographics during the pandemic.

Comprehending the association between behavioral 4.3. Sleep trends before and after COVID-19
changes and sleep disorders is crucial. It can facilitate the early Significant research has been conducted on the effects of
identification of potential problems, the implementation of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and sleep. In
appropriate therapies, and the enhancement of the overall this overview from Tables 3-5, we examine the pre- and
quality of life. Research has demonstrated a link between post-COVID-19 impact on sleep trends and behavioral
sleep disorders and emotional and behavioral issues such as changes by analyzing a collection of studies and research
anxiety, depression, inattention, and aggression in children findings.
and adolescents. The utilization of behavioral therapy to
3,4
address sleep disorders can enhance behavior, mood, and 4.4. Unique sleep disorders are emerging during
cognitive performance throughout the day. 4 and after COVID-19

4.1. Sleep disorders and their characteristics The terms “coronasomnia” or “COVID-somnia” refer
to various sleep issues, including insomnia, disruptions
Sleep disorders such as insomnia, circadian rhythm in sleep patterns, alterations in the sleep–wake cycle,
disruptions, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, parasomnias, and and diminished sleep quality. These problems frequently
restless legs syndrome have a substantial influence on result from stress associated with the fear of the virus,
both physical and mental health. Their reasons range its psychosocial impacts on daily life, or the physical and
from genetic predispositions to lifestyle variables, and mental aftermath of contracting COVID-19. 1
treatments include drugs and lifestyle changes, with an
emphasis on tailored methods for optimal management. One study identified various forms of sleep disturbances
Table 2 describes the overview of sleep disorders and their and their prevalence rates: insomnia at 60%, frequent
characteristics. nocturnal awakenings at 41%, breathing difficulties at 36%,
restless legs syndrome at 18%, sleep apnea at 10%, vivid
4.2. Impact during COVID dreams at 33%, nightmares at 26%, and lucid dreams at
The coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19, caused by 15%. 20,21
the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Figure 2 provides a detailed insight into the
(SARS-CoV-2), was declared a pandemic in March 2020. physiological, neurological, and psychological factors

Volume 4 Issue 1 (2025) 13 doi: 10.36922/an.4006