Sleep and Circadian Rhythm in Relation to COVID-19 and COVID-19 Vaccination-National Sleep Survey of South Korea 2022

Abstract

Background: Currently, information on sleep and circadian patterns in relation to COVID-19 or vaccination remains limited. We aimed to investigate sleep and circadian patterns according to history of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination side effects.

Methods: We used data from the National Sleep Survey of South Korea 2022, a nationwide cross-sectional population-based survey regarding sleep-wake behaviors and sleep problems among Korean adults. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the different sleep and circadian patterns according to the history of COVID-19 or self-reported side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination.

Results: The ANCOVA showed that individuals with a history of COVID-19 presented a later chronotype than individuals without a history of COVID-19. Individuals who had experienced vaccine-related side effects had a shorter sleep duration, poorer sleep efficiency, and worse insomnia severity. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a later chronotype related to COVID-19. A short sleep duration, poorer sleep efficiency, and worse insomnia severity were associated with self-reported side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination.

Conclusions: Individuals who recovered from COVID-19 had a later chronotype than those without a history of COVID-19. Individuals who had experienced vaccine-related side effects presented with poorer sleep than those without side effects.