Sleep disorders as presenting symptoms in positive COVID-19 patients: In Aswan University Hospitals, Egypt

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is critically affecting not only the physical health but also mental health globally. This study aimed to define the frequency of sleep disorders in COVID-19 positive patients in Aswan University Hospitals, Aswan Governorate, Egypt to clarify the different clinical types of them and to identify factors associated with sleep changes during the COVID-19. Methods: Our study recruited 280 positive COVID-19 patients. Their sleep disorders were diagnosed by using Global Sleep Assessment questionnaire (GSAQ). Their socioeconomic status was determined by using Revised Kuppuswamy Socioeconomic Status Scale (RK SSS). The severity of anxiety symptoms and insomnia were determined by using Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) respectively. Diagnosis of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) was completed according to Restless Leg Syndrome Diagnostic Index (RLS-DI). Results: Sleep disorders were documented in 35.7% of our patients. They were categorized into insomnia (24.6%), RLS (15%) and poor sleep quality (17.4%). Younger age and female sex were the predominate age and sex. Most of them had severe anxiety. Upper class of socioeconomic status was the commonest SES. Most of patients had CORADS I and II respectively. Conclusion: The present study recognized that female gender, younger population, COVID- 19 related stressors were the major factors associated with sleep disorder. Further investigation is needed to understand the changes in sleep pattern among the patients of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords

• covid-19
• sleep disturbance
• insomnia
• rls
• predictors of sleep disorders