Sunday, 18 February 2024

The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health: A Focus on Insomnia

From medriva.com

COVID-19 and Insomnia: A Closer Look

A survey conducted among 1,056 people in Vietnam who had contracted a mild form of COVID-19 revealed that a staggering 76.1% experienced insomnia after their recovery. The study further highlighted that 22.8% of the participants reported experiencing severe insomnia. The data indicated that individuals who had been diagnosed with anxiety or depression were more likely to suffer from sleep disturbances. This aligns with previous research that has associated sleep disturbance with symptoms of long COVID. The researchers involved in the study have recommended the implementation of interventions to mitigate the potential long-term negative impacts of the infection.

Connecting Mental Health Disorders and Insomnia

The study revealed a more disturbing trend among those individuals who were dealing with anxiety or depression. It found that people with depression were more than three times as likely to experience insomnia, while people with anxiety were nearly four times more likely to suffer from sleep disturbances. These findings emphasize the need for public health agencies to consider targeted interventions for those who have had milder cases of COVID-19 to mitigate the potential long-term negative impacts of the infection.

Trajectory of Mental Health Changes Post-COVID-19

A longitudinal study conducted to investigate the trajectories of mental health changes in individuals infected with COVID-19 found notable changes in mental health outcomes over time. Depression showed significant improvement, while anxiety and insomnia did not exhibit significant changes. The study identified younger individuals and those who experienced severe COVID-19 infection as high-risk groups with worse mental ill health. The main predictors of these changes in mental health outcomes were fatigue and post-COVID impairments. This emphasizes the need for ongoing assessment, support, and tailored interventions for the evolving mental health needs of individuals following a COVID-19 infection.

Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Post-COVID-19

Another study reviewed the changes in the prevalence of anxiety and depression among COVID-19 patients during a two-year recovery period. The highest prevalence of anxiety was found at 3-6 months post-recovery, while the highest prevalence of depression was reported within the first month of recovery. The study also noted regional differences in the changes in prevalence of anxiety and depression, with anxiety prevalences in Asian countries being lower than non-Asian countries, and depression prevalences in Asian countries being higher than non-Asian countries.

Insomnia among Healthcare Workers during COVID-19

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of healthcare workers has also been a subject of concern. A study of 1038 healthcare workers found significant associations between insomnia, resilience, COVID-19 anxiety, and social support. Insomnia was identified as a significant predictor for anxiety and depression, and was associated with various health issues. The study provides a theoretical framework for understanding insomnia among healthcare workers, including predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factors.

https://medriva.com/health/mental-health/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-mental-health-a-focus-on-insomnia/ 

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