Sleep Quality Aspects in Post-COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

In this observational cohort study, sleep quality in post-COVID-19 patients was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. This study aimed to examine aspects of sleep quality in patients who have undergone SARS-CoV-2 infection and if there is a pattern of progression or regression over time (6 months). We also observed and analyzed the results in order to identify any possible links between the severity of COVID-19 and sleep quality as measured by the PSQI questionnaire. The study group consisted of 65 adult patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who were referred to a pulmonologist for evaluation. Sleep quality was impacted at a high rate in post-COVID-19 patients, quantified by a PSQI score ≥5. Out of 65 patients, 51% of them had scores greater than or equal to 5. Sleep was subjectively reported as unsatisfactory predominantly in mild and moderate COVID-19 patients. According to the PSQI score and a 6-month follow-up, many patients presented persistency in poor sleep quality. Investigation and individualized treatment of sleep disorders in post-COVID-19 patients should be part of the routine pneumological control, as improvement in sleep quality has an impact not only on the health but also on the psychological state of patients. Educating patients about the importance of sleep and sleep quality impairment should be a primary concern.

A Qualitative Interview Study of General Practitioners’ Experiences of Managing Post-COVID-19 Syndrome

“…GP’s observations of symptoms are broadly consistent with the current literature 22–25 . Despite their high prevalence in epidemiological studies 26–28 , sleep disturbances were rarely mentioned in the interviews, indicating a potential gap for targeted interventions. Furthermore, gastrointestinal problems, more common in post-COVID patients than in the general population 29 , were not explicitly addressed.…”

Alterations in pulmonary function and sleep quality in Vietnamese adults recovering from mild-to-moderate COVID-19: A cross-sectional descriptive study

“…In a previous study evaluating sleep quality during the first six months after recovery from COVID-19 infection, Kalamara et al 26 reported persistent poor sleep quality at 1, 3, and 6 months. In a study in Romania, Munteanu et al 11 found an increased incidence of sleep quality problems at 6 months after recovery from COVID-19, with a higher rate in the mild-to-moderate groups. Jackson et al 12 reported that poor sleep quality persisted in cases after 2 to 14 months of recovery from COVID-19.…”

“…The PSQI was used to assess sleep quality in this study. The reliability and validity of the scale have been previously demonstrated for Vietnamese population 21 and it has been used in various countries to evaluate patients after recovery from COVID-19 infection [10][11][12] . The scale comprises 19 questions and evaluates sleep quality across seven components, including subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration (h), sleep efficiency (hours slept/hours in bed), sleep disturbances, use of sleep medication, and daytime dysfunction 22,23 .…”

“…Poor sleep quality is frequently observed in recovered patients 10,11 . Recently, Jackson et al 12 reported that overall poor sleep quality, assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), was associated with impaired pulmonary function in cases at 2-7 months and 10-14 months after hospital discharge for COVID-19.…”

The Impact of Post-COVID-19 Conditions on Sleep and Quality of Life in Indonesia: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

“… 7 It also plays a crucial regulatory role in the immune system. 10 Given the reciprocal association between sleep and the immune system, sleep is likely crucial for recovery in COVID-19 survivors. 11 Sleep issues might worsen the adverse effects of COVID-19 on both physical and mental well-being.…”