Sleep-related post-COVID sequelae across the COVID-19 pandemic waves in Hungary
Percze Anna Réka
KÁROLY RÁCZ CONSERVATIVE MEDICINE PROGRAM
Dr. Fekete Andrea
SE Pulmonológiai Klinika tanterme
2026-06-08 13:30:00
Pulmonology
Dr. Losonczy György
Dr. Horváth Gábor
Dr. Vincze Krisztina
Dr. Kunos László
Dr. Purebl György
Dr. Eszes Noémi
Dr. Máthé Csaba
Sleep disturbance is one of the most common long-term negative health consequences following acute COVID-19. Sleep disorders, along with frequently associated chronic fatigue, may contribute to further complications, including metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, psychological and concentration disorders, reduced immune response, and negatively affect health-related quality of life, physical activity, and mental health. Pulmonologists - often involved due to respiratory long COVID complications - play a key role in recognizing and managing sleep problems, which, due to their high prevalence, cannot be addressed solely within the framework of sleep medicine. Challenges include the wide variety of sleep disorders, their complex mechanisms, and the lack of specific treatments for long COVID complications. The most important aspects of practical care, besides early recognition, are identifying and treating potential organic causes, adhering to general recommendations for the prevention and treatment of sleep disorders, and applying therapeutic methods tailored to the specific type of sleep disturbance. Decreased physical endurance, impaired respiratory mechanics, and muscle loss due to the disease can be improved through complex pulmonary rehabilitation, which can also positively impact patients' sleep quality.
Our studies indicate that COVID-19 infection and sleep disorders are closely interrelated, and therefore, the care of affected patients, as well as the restoration of their quality of life and work capacity, is a key responsibility not only of sleep medicine but also of several other medical specialties. Our research confirms the variant-dependent heterogeneity of post-COVID-19 symptoms and sleep-wake disturbances. Understanding the associations with post-COVID-19 complications may also help to uncover the significance of genetic changes in SARS-CoV-2.
