The Greek word ‘somnia’ means sleep. ‘Insomnia,’ on the other hand is repeated difficulty sleeping, despite ample time to do so. This condition may be (1) a short duration caused by passing stress, (2) a temporary period caused by another disorder, or (3) a longer-term condition due to a chronic medical or psychiatric condition. And it now seems we have a 4th one, COVID-Somnia keeping some of us awake at night.
How to Deal With COVID-Somnia from the Pandemic
Scientists have known about the condition for a while (see link to National Institutes of Health report below). They say a ‘pandemic-stalled world’ has altered the way we communicate with each other. And this has affected many of our sleep schedules. These life-style changes include delays in bed-times and wake-times, and napping during the day.
National Institutes of Health scientists have also noted sleep quality has deteriorated too. They call this ‘sleep-reactivity’ referring to difficulty falling and staying asleep. However, the effect is selective because onboard biological vulnerability also plays a role. And hence two people in the same family may respond differently. Older people are more susceptible due to changes in hormone production.
Two Types of Pandemic Insomnia Doing the Rounds
There have been reports of COVID-19 infections causing insomnia, and the effect continuing after recovery in many patients. This aspect is difficult to quantify because many of us are asymptomatic. COVID-Somnia may also trigger a cycle, where it is both the cause and the effect of not sleeping well.
However, the driver could just as well be anxiety about the pandemic, and fear of catching an infection or losing a job. We are not medical people and we may not provide medical advice. Therefore, if you find yourself in an insomnia cycle may we suggest you speak to a qualified person.
Related:
Could Melatonin Sleep Aid Slow COVID Down
Lock Down Causing Passing Memory Loss
Preview Image: The Circadian Rhythm
