May 11, 2022

Can COVID-19 Cause Insomnia and Other Sleep Problems?

COVID-19 can lead to a number of sleep disorders, including insomnia

An illustration of sheep jumping over a fence.

There’s still much to learn about COVID-19 and its long-term effects on people who contract it.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

For about 80% of people who have a mild reaction to COVID-19, their symptoms go away in about two weeks. Others who have more serious cases need between three and six weeks to recover. One important area of study right now focuses on a third group known as COVID-19 long-haulers, people who experience new symptoms or prolonged symptoms more than three to four weeks after infection. COVID-19 long-haulers may need several months to recover, and even then, some symptoms and additional conditions like sleep disorders tend to pop up and linger along the way.

“Sleep disorders are one of the most common symptoms for patients who’ve had COVID-19,” says sleep medicine specialist Cinthya Pena Orbea, MD. “They report insomnia, fatigue, brain fog and sometimes we even see circadian rhythm disorders.”

Dr. Pena Orbea shares what we know so far about COVID-19’s connection with sleep disorders and what we can do to help alleviate some of those symptoms.

Is insomnia a symptom of COVID-19?

Coined “coronasomnia,” COVID-19-induced insomnia is often attributed to pandemic-related stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions.

“Long-hauler symptoms is a new phase of the pandemic,” says Dr. Pena Orbea. “This is an area that we’re still studying.”

Advertisement

While we’ve identified more than 50 long-term effects of COVID-19, some studies suggest neuropsychiatric symptoms like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and insomnia can worsen over time. And according to Dr. Pena Orbea, people who’ve had mental health conditions before contracting COVID-19 are at higher risk for developing worse anxiety and depression. This often results in someone developing a sleep disorder.

“The direct cause for long-hauler symptoms remains unknown,” says Dr. Pena Orbea. “Clinicians and researchers are exploring several possibilities that include having a persistent inflammatory state or an inadequate antibody response, and there’s another thought that there is ongoing viral activity that’s causing organ damage.”

And while general fatigue is a symptom of COVID-19, sleep disorders like insomnia can set in up to a couple of weeks after first contracting the virus. So on the surface, the sleep disorder might not seem connected, but chances are, it’s a result of contracting the virus itself.

How long does it last?

There’s currently little data to determine exactly how long COVID-19-induced sleep disorders may last. According to Dr. Pena Orbea, it could last up to 12 months after beginning treatment.

What other sleep issues are associated with COVID-19?

Most commonly, Dr. Pena Orbea has seen circadian rhythm disorders arise as a result of COVID-19. In these cases, people have a delayed sleep cycle where they fall asleep much later into the evening or earlier in the morning. This delayed cycle extends into the following day, causing people to feel groggy, have chronic fatigue or wake up later than they prefer.

Advertisement

What helps with COVID-19-related insomnia?

“Sleep is extremely important for the overall function of our bodies, including our metabolic systems and our immune systems,” explains Dr. Pena Orbea. “Since sleep is important for concentration and memory function, it will enhance how patients recover from the disease and impact their quality of life.”

To treat sleep disorders, including those caused by COVID-19, doctors often turn to cognitive behavioral therapy, light therapy, melatonin or a mixture of methods to help correct your sleep schedule and improve your sleep hygiene.

When to see your doctor

This can be a difficult question for some people because it’s easy to assume your loss of sleep is a result of a long day of work, moderate stress or a small, one-time problem. But Dr. Pena Orbea suggests any symptoms related to sleeplessness is a cause to get a checkup.

“It’s important to see your doctor whenever you’re developing a new symptom because it could be a sign or symptom of another disease and this is difficult to discern,” says Dr. Pena Orbea. “If you’re experiencing any symptoms that are interfering with your daily life, that’s when you need to call your doctor.”

Related Articles

Young child coloring with crayons
December 8, 2023
Are Crayons Toxic? What To Do if Your Kid Eats One

They’re nontoxic, but crayons can cause an upset stomach and pose a serious choking hazard

Castor bean pods, castor beans and a vial of castor oil
December 8, 2023
No, Castor Oil Won’t Solve All (or Any) of Your Health Problems

The oil some TikTokkers swear by can actually cause stomach issues, skin rashes and eye issues

Baby receiving a shot in their leg by healthcare worker in pink
December 7, 2023
COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids: What To Know and Why It’s Important

Children as young as 6 months should get vaccinated

Pregnant person with yellow glow emanating from them.
December 6, 2023
Is Pregnancy Glow a Real Thing?

More radiant skin may appear due to physiological responses to pregnancy

Natural antibiotics, pills and herbs, displayed on bamboo spoons on wooden table.
December 5, 2023
Why You Shouldn’t Self-Treat With ‘Natural Antibiotics’

Natural doesn’t mean they’re safe or effective

Female swimmer in the water at edge of a pool
December 1, 2023
Can Exercise Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer?

Physical activity and weight management can minimize your chances of getting the disease

Two people standing in the cold.
November 29, 2023
10 Colds Not To Catch This Winter

The flu, RSV, COVID-19, pneumonia and more typically circulate during cold weather months

Parent breastfeeding baby on bed, against the headboard.
November 27, 2023
Looking for Foods To Increase Your Milk Supply? Think Big Picture

No single food will increase your milk, but an overall healthy diet will help

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad