The underlying mechanism linking SARS-CoV-2 to sleep problems is unknown. However, according to Dr Matthias Pierce, one of the study's authors, the discovery was not surprising: The findings regarding sleep problems and fatigue were what we expected. In particular, fatigue is a well-known complication not only for COVID-19, but also for other serious viruses such as meningitis and hepatitis, among others.

So what is the correlation between COVID-19 and emerging sleep problems? The researchers stress that there are no conclusive studies, but it seems likely that this is due to several factors:

• Physical symptoms of COVID-19 may interfere with sleep,
• Mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety and stress can interfere with sleep,
• Residual inflammation from the virus throughout the body may also play a role in sleep problems.

Some people experience a fear of falling asleep in the early stages of infection because they are worried about having shortness of breath and breathing problems. This fear can persist during COVID-19 or even later and can lead to persistent sleep problems.

Others wake up in the night with shortness of breath and cannot fall back asleep because the shock of breathing problems makes them too alert to fall asleep.

This is confirmed by Dr Lederle, who was involved in research into the correlation between COVID-19 and sleep problems.

COVID-19 was a new, unknown disease that can cause serious long-term effects, even death. It is frightening and there is a lot of uncertainty about how the disease will progress once infected. Anxiety is a major trigger for sleep problems and insomnia, and this may be one mechanism to explain the link between COVID-19 and poor sleep.

Poor sleep quality can increase feelings of anxiety and stress, while good sleep can help improve them. It is important to understand that anxiety about the consequences of COVID-19 symptoms is perfectly natural. It is worth making small changes that can help to calm yourself and calm your thoughts.