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

Figure 4. Exploring the relationship between sleep and mental health

Managing sleep disorders is crucial in preventing strokes, 4.7. Limitations
given their close association with cardiovascular conditions Studies that use data from specific populations, such
and increased stroke risk. Neglecting sleep disorders after as hospitalized patients, health-care professionals, or
36
a stroke also increases the risk of stroke recurrence and survey participants, may not generalize findings to
37
premature death, in addition to hindering rehabilitation broader demographics. This limitation can compromise
efforts. ADHD symptoms can worsen with untreated sleep the precision and reliability of data collection, making it
disorders such as sleep-disordered breathing, restless difficult to establish causation or understand the long-
legs syndrome, and narcolepsy, further compromising term effects of COVID-19 on sleep and mental health. In
cognitive function and overall well-being. 38
addition, the positive impacts of COVID-19 on sleep and
Untreated sleep disorders raise the risk of developing mental health may not be fully captured by current studies,
and progressing cancer and are recognized as risk factors as these effects are still evolving. Long-term research that
for various tumors. In older adults, untreated insomnia monitors individuals’ sleep patterns and mental health
39
correlates with increased healthcare utilization and costs, before, during, and after the pandemic could offer a more
even after accounting for other health conditions. Sleep- comprehensive understanding of these impacts. Such
disordered breathing affects roughly 53% of women during studies would help clarify how these factors interact over
their midlife, particularly post-menopausal women, and time and contribute to ongoing endeavors to enhance
can have a negative impact on both mental and physical public health interventions and support systems.
health. 40
Untreated insomnia is linked to a greater incidence of 5. Conclusion
major depression and anxiety, particularly in high-stress The diverse array of sleep disorders presents a complex
professions such as professional truck driving. Studies challenge affecting millions of individuals worldwide,
demonstrate a significant prevalence of sleep disorders affecting their physical health, mental well-being, and
among truck drivers, including insomnia (27.5%) and overall quality of life. Understanding the multifaceted
OSA (25.8 – 51%), with insomniacs having 2 – 8 times nature of these conditions, including their genetic,
higher risk of motor vehicle accidents. 8 environmental, and societal influences, underscores the

Volume 4 Issue 1 (2025) 21 doi: 10.36922/an.4006