A recent study conducted by scientists from Phenikaa University, Vietnam, has identified a concerning trend among patients with mild cases of Covid-19. The study revealed that these individuals are highly vulnerable to experiencing sleep disturbances, with a staggering 76.1% of participants reporting symptoms of insomnia.

Traditionally, doctors had recognized insomnia as a common occurrence among hospitalized Covid-19 patients. However, the research team, led by Dr. Huong T. X. Hoang, aimed to investigate whether individuals with mild infections would also be affected by sleep quality disruptions.

The study recruited 1,056 Covid-19 survivors over the age of 18 who had not been hospitalized in the past six months and had no previous history of insomnia or psychiatric conditions. Participants were asked to complete a survey regarding their sociodemographic characteristics, such as age, sex, and chronic illnesses, as well as the duration and severity of their Covid-19 infection. The survey also measured anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms experienced by the patients.

The findings revealed that an alarming 76.1% of participants reported symptoms of insomnia, of which 22.8% experienced severe insomnia. Half of the participants reported waking up frequently during the night, and a third had difficulty falling asleep, experienced worsened sleep, and slept for shorter durations. Interestingly, the severity of the initial Covid-19 infection did not correlate with the severity of insomnia experienced.

Two specific groups were found to have significantly higher rates of insomnia. Individuals with pre-existing chronic conditions and those exhibiting higher levels of depressive or anxious symptoms were more likely to develop insomnia compared to their peers. The study also highlighted the interconnected nature of insomnia, mental health, and physical well-being.

Dr. Hoang emphasized that insomnia following Covid-19 should not be considered normal and provided some simple actions for managing sleep disturbances. These include taking a warm shower before bedtime, avoiding phone usage at least an hour before sleep, engaging in daily exercise for 30 minutes, and abstaining from caffeine consumption after 4 pm. Additionally, over-the-counter sleep aids can be tried, and if the problem persists, consulting a sleep therapist is recommended.

The prevalence of insomnia in recently recovered Covid-19 patients was notably higher than that in the general population and even surpassed that reported among hospitalized individuals with the virus. This disparity could be attributed to the focus on recently recovered patients who may still have lingering symptoms and heightened sensitivity to changes in their physical health.

The researchers emphasized the need for a holistic approach to address the various factors contributing to insomnia in Covid-19 patients. Further investigation into the relationship between Covid-19, mental health problems, and insomnia is warranted to better understand and manage these interconnected challenges.

It is important to note that this study had some limitations, including the use of an online survey and convenient sampling method, which may have introduced biases. However, given the situation in Vietnam during the study period, these methods were deemed the most efficient and feasible for data collection.

As the world continues to grapple with the long-lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, studies like this shed light on the diverse range of symptoms and consequences experienced by individuals affected by the virus. The findings underscore the importance of addressing not only the physical health aspect but also the mental well-being of Covid-19 survivors to ensure a comprehensive recovery.