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

Figure 3. COVID-19-related factors triggering sleep disorders

In February 2024, a study published in Frontiers in preserve overall well-being. Conversely, poor mental
Public Health investigated anxiety, depression, and sleep health can impair judgment and lower quality of life.
disturbances among 1,000 adult COVID-19 survivors in Therefore, improving sleep quality and developing
Vietnam. The study, which was conducted from June to healthy sleep routines are essential for promoting mental
September 2022, concentrated on individuals who were not health.
hospitalized and had no prior history of insomnia. Results The prevalence of mental health issues among adults
revealed that 76% of the study participants experienced
post-COVID-19 insomnia, with a quarter reporting severe has increased significantly in recent years. Recognizing
symptoms. In addition, one-third of the participants the complex relationship between sleep patterns and
reported diminished sleep quality, shorter duration, and mental well-being is vital. Figure 4, a mind map, illustrates
increased difficulty falling asleep than they did before their the complicated relationships between sleep patterns
infection. 23,24 and mental health, offering valuable insights into their
reciprocal relationship. 24,26-34
In conclusion, a significant portion of the population
continues to be affected by long-term COVID-19, 4.6. Long-term consequences of sleep disorders if
characterized by persistent symptoms, especially sleep left untreated
disturbances. The study underscored the severity and Untreated sleep disorders can significantly impact a person’s
frequency of post-COVID-19 insomnia, highlighting the overall quality of life, influencing both physical and mental
virus’s long-term impact on sleep patterns. Although health beyond occasional restless nights. Obstructive sleep
24
many aspects of long-term COVID remain unknown, apnea, for instance, is significantly linked to an elevated
ongoing research is actively investigating its causes and risk of stroke. Individuals with conditions such as Down
potential interventions. A majority (77%) of those affected syndrome or Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) frequently
attribute pandemic-related factors to their post-outbreak experience untreated OSA, leading to excessive daytime
insomnia symptoms. 25
sleepiness and risks such as impaired cognitive function
4.5.1. Connection between sleep and mental health and cardiovascular complications. Moreover, untreated
OSA complicates the diagnosis of other sleep disorders,
An individual’s mental, social, and emotional health is especially in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity
critical, influencing all aspects of life, including work disorder (ADHD). 35
productivity, emotional resilience, and decision-making.
Maintaining strong mental health enables individuals to Untreated OSA increases the chance of death by about
make positive life choices, manage stress effectively, and 6% every 5 – 8 years owing to cardiovascular events.

Volume 4 Issue 1 (2025) 20 doi: 10.36922/an.4006