The hidden impact of sleep disorders in the post-pandemic world

Abstract

Studying sleep disorders is crucial due to their substantial influence on behavior and health in all age groups. The complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, including hormonal fluctuations, stress, and ozone exposure, is the cause of these disorders, which include insomnia, parasomnia, central hypersomnolence disorder, sleep-disordered breathing, and circadian rhythm sleep–wake disorders. They impact behavior, deteriorate social connections, and impair cognitive abilities, physical well-being, and emotional stability. The complex relationship between sleep and mental health frequently eludes attention, with approximately 17% of adults experiencing mental disorders during their lifetime. Frequently, insomnia is associated with anxiety and depression, indicating a bidirectional relationship. Conversely, individuals with mental health issues are susceptible to sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and sleep apnea. Treatment modalities such as relaxation therapy, stimulus control, and cognitive-behavioral therapy provide prospects for improvement, along with preventive measures such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule and exercising daily. The pandemic’s effect on sleep health has led to the introduction of terms such as “coronasomnia” and “COVID-somnia,” urging further studies on post-COVID-19 conditions. This review examines various sleep disorders, their effects, treatments, and the pandemic’s impact on sleep patterns, aiming to guide readers through the evolving landscape of sleep health during this global upheaval.