Daytime sleepiness among health workers affected by COVID-19 during the “OMICRON” wave

Abstract

Introduction Excessive daytime sleepiness is a frequent symptom in the general population. It may be fleeting, due to transient circumstances, or it may be related to certain pathologies. Indeed, following their infection with SARS-COV2, several healthcare workers (HCWs) have complained of excessive daytime sleepiness. Objectives This study was conducted to assess excessive daytime sleepiness in the SARS-COV2-affected HCWs during the “OMICRON” wave. Methods Cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted among the HCWs of Charles Nicolle Hospital with COVID-19 during the period from 22 December 2021 to 31 January 2022. Sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale administered during the return to work medical visit. Results During the “OMICRON” wave, 58 HCWs joined our study. The average age was 39 +/- 10 years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.2. The participants had no previous history of sleep disorders. Excessive daytime sleepiness was found in 21 participants (36% of cases). Excessive daytime sleepiness was mild in 81% of cases, moderate in 14%, and severe in 5%. The category most affected was senior technicians in 57% of cases. Most of the HCWs suffering from daytime sleepiness were working in the gynecology department (19%) and the neurology department (19%). Conclusions Early and systematic screening for sleep disorders after any SARS-COV2 infection is necessary to ensure the good health of the HCWs and to reduce accidents and errors in professional procedures. Disclosure of Interest None Declared