What a local doctor says you should know about COVID-19 and insomnia

Next month will mark four years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and while it’s become a fairly common part of our lives, researchers are just now beginning to better understand the long-term effects of the virus, including its impact on sleep.

But local doctors say that also means helping their patients navigate what they may be seeing on their newsfeeds.

Channel 11′s Katherine Amenta spoke with Dr. Brian Lamb, an internist at AHN, who said new findings continue to come out about the virus, and it’s important that patients understand what they’re hearing.

“We don’t want people to panic — I’ve had COVID. I’m going to be an insomniac,” Lamb said.

The study published in “Frontiers in Public Health” said 1,000 people were surveyed who had mild cases of the virus. Half the participants said they woke more often in the night.

And third said they found it harder to fall asleep.

But, Lamb says the study itself “shouldn’t keep you up at night.”

“One of the things we have to remember...illness itself can cause insomnia,” he said. “Anytime you’re sick. it throws off your sleeping habits.

And while any insomnia should resolve itself in a week or so, Lamb says if you’re still feeling the effects after a month or so, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.

Lamb said you can also try to manage your insomnia with some home remedies, like getting a warm shower before bed, putting down the phone at least an hour before bed and no caffeine after 4 p.m.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

©2024 Cox Media Group