Is Insomnia a Symptom of COVID-19?

Unraveling the connection between COVID-19 and insomnia, symptoms, causes, and what you can do to improve your sleep.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 25, 2025

Unraveling the connection between COVID-19 and insomnia, symptoms, causes, and what you can do to improve your sleep.

Many people around the world have had trouble sleeping during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both the infection itself and the stress it caused have contributed to a marked rise in insomnia and other sleep disturbances. This article explores the evidence linking COVID-19 with insomnia, the potential mechanisms behind this connection, groups most at risk, and practical strategies for managing sleep problems related to COVID-19.

Can COVID-19 Cause Insomnia?

If you’ve found yourself wide awake at night, you’re not alone. Research has consistently shown an increase in sleep problems since the start of the pandemic. The following points summarize current findings about the relationship between COVID-19 and sleep disturbances:

A 2022 meta-analysis, involving almost half a million people across 49 countries, found that roughly 37% experienced sleep problems during the pandemic. That number jumped to 52% for those who had COVID-19 infection compared to those who had not.
Insomnia was by far the most common issue, accounting for 80% of reported sleep disturbances.
Groups most likely to be affected include children, adolescents, university students, healthcare workers (particularly nurses), pregnant individuals, older adults, and people with chronic conditions.

So, not only can COVID-19 contribute to insomnia—it appears to do so for a significant share of those infected, as well as for the broader population during periods of increased stress and disruption.

Why Does COVID-19 Cause Insomnia?

The link between COVID-19 and insomnia remains under investigation, but researchers have identified several reasons for this connection. Here are some of the most important:

Stress and Worry

Anxiety about getting sick, concerns for loved ones, financial difficulties, and uncertainties about jobs or school have led to higher levels of psychological stress.
The World Health Organization noted that anxiety and stress increased by 25% globally during the first year of the pandemic.
A 2022 study found that worrying about COVID-19 exposure was a stronger predictor of insomnia than actual exposure, highlighting the powerful role of mental health in sleep quality.

Physical Symptoms of COVID-19

Classic symptoms like cough, fever, and shortness of breath can disrupt sleep because of discomfort or pain.
Medications used to treat COVID-19 symptoms may also contribute to sleep disruption.

Neurological and Biological Effects

COVID-19 can affect the central nervous system, including the brain regions responsible for regulating wake and sleep states.
Immune system responses and inflammation might also disturb sleep patterns.

Disruptions of Routine

The pandemic caused many people to lose regular habits and daily structure.
Lack of physical activity, increased screen time, and changes in family or work schedules can all make it more difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Who Is Most at Risk of COVID-Induced Insomnia?

Not everyone experiences COVID-19-related insomnia at the same rate. Several groups have higher risk:

Healthcare workers, especially nurses, because of direct exposure to COVID-19 and high workplace stress.
Children and adolescents, whose routines and social networks have been disrupted.
University students, facing both academic and pandemic-related pressures.
People with chronic conditions, pregnant individuals, or older adults, who may have additional health anxieties and greater vulnerability.
Those already experiencing anxiety or depression are especially likely to develop insomnia after even a mild COVID-19 infection. One study found that 76% of people diagnosed with mild COVID-19 who also had anxiety or depression reported insomnia.

How Common Is Insomnia with COVID-19?

The prevalence of sleep disturbances during the pandemic has been well documented:

About 37% of people surveyed during the pandemic experienced sleep problems, including insomnia.
This number shot up to over 52% among people with a history of COVID-19 infection.
Insomnia accounted for 80% of these sleep complaints.
Even those with mild COVID-19 who were never hospitalized showed a high rate of subsequent insomnia (76%).

These numbers suggest that insomnia is not only a symptom during acute infection but also an issue for many people in the weeks or months after recovery.

How Long Does COVID Insomnia Last?

There is no single rule for how long sleep disturbances due to COVID-19 last. For some, insomnia resolves within a few weeks. For others, especially those with long COVID or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), insomnia may persist for months and be accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, or mood changes.

This prolonged sleep disturbance can significantly impact daily functioning, mood, and even the immune system, underscoring the importance of addressing insomnia as part of COVID-19 recovery.

Is Insomnia a Symptom of Long COVID?

Long COVID refers to lingering symptoms that persist beyond the initial infection, often for weeks or months. Insomnia is commonly reported in people with long COVID, along with other sleep difficulties such as nightmares, disturbances in normal sleep cycles, and difficulty staying asleep.

People with long COVID may also report:

Chronic fatigue
Difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”)
Persistent coughing or shortness of breath
Changes in mood, including depression and anxiety

Insomnia After Mild and Severe COVID-19

While insomnia has been widely recognized in patients severely ill with COVID-19 (especially those requiring hospitalization), recent research indicates that even mild COVID-19 infections dramatically increase the risk of insomnia, regardless of the severity or length of the initial illness.

People who experience anxiety or depression during or after COVID-19 are especially susceptible to ongoing sleep disturbances, even without a history of preexisting insomnia.

Why Might Insomnia Appear with COVID-19?

Multiple contributors likely explain the relationship between COVID-19 and insomnia. These include:

Immune system changes and inflammation: Fighting infection may disrupt hormonal and neurotransmitter systems involved in regulating sleep.
Direct effects on the brain: The virus may affect parts of the brain that control sleep-wake cycles.
Pain or respiratory symptoms: COVID-19 symptoms such as a persistent cough or body aches can make it hard to fall asleep or remain asleep through the night.
Mental health impact: Stress, isolation, and changes in daily routine associated with the pandemic are strongly associated with increased rates of both acute and chronic insomnia.

Does Poor Sleep Make COVID-19 Worse?

Emerging research suggests that the relationship between sleep and COVID-19 is bidirectional:

Poor quality sleep and insomnia can weaken the immune system, potentially increasing susceptibility to infection and making recovery slower and more difficult.
One study published in the British Medical Journal concluded that disrupted sleep, insomnia, and burnout were linked to both a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and more severe symptoms and longer recovery times.

Is Insomnia a Side Effect of the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Most people tolerate COVID-19 vaccines well, but some do report insomnia as a rare side effect. Generally, this symptom is short-lived, resolving within a few days as the body adjusts.

How Can You Manage or Treat COVID-19-Related Insomnia?

The good news is that most cases of COVID-related insomnia can be improved with lifestyle changes and evidence-based sleep strategies. Here’s what experts recommend:

Keep a consistent schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same times each day, even on weekends.
Create a restful environment: Darken your room, minimize noise, and keep the temperature comfortable.
Limit exposure to screens before bedtime: Blue light from devices can suppress melatonin production and delay sleep onset.
Reserve your bed for sleep: Avoid working, studying, or watching TV in bed.
Incorporate relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness can reduce anxiety and induce sleepiness.
Go easy on caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol: All can disrupt sleeping patterns.
Stay active during the day: Exercise helps regulate circadian rhythms, but avoid vigorous activity close to bedtime.
Keep a sleep diary: Tracking your sleep can help identify habits or patterns that may contribute to insomnia.

If your insomnia does not improve with these strategies after several weeks, talk to your healthcare provider. Medical professionals may recommend additional treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or, in rare cases, medication.

When Should You Call a Doctor?

If insomnia lasts more than two weeks and interferes with daily life
If you experience symptoms of long COVID, such as ongoing fatigue, brain fog, or depression
If you notice severe changes in mood, anxiety, or other mental health symptoms

Prompt treatment can help prevent sleep problems from becoming long-term or contributing to other health problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is insomnia a symptom of COVID-19?

A: Yes, many people infected with COVID-19 (over 50%) have reported developing acute or lingering insomnia during or after infection.

Q: Is sleeplessness a symptom of long COVID?

A: Yes, sleep disturbances, including persistent insomnia, are a common feature of long COVID.

Q: Why does COVID-19 cause insomnia?

A: Insomnia in COVID-19 can be driven by physical symptoms, mental health impacts, changes to routines, and potential effects on the brain’s sleep centers.

Q: What is the best way to treat COVID insomnia?

A: Most people improve with lifestyle and at-home changes, such as regular scheduling and relaxation techniques. For severe or chronic insomnia, medical treatment (such as CBT-I) may be recommended.

Q: How long does COVID insomnia last?

A: Insomnia related to COVID-19 can persist for weeks or even months in some individuals, especially those with long COVID.

Q: Is insomnia a side effect of the COVID vaccine?

A: Insomnia has been reported as a rare side effect after vaccination but usually resolves quickly.

Key Takeaways

COVID-19 infection and the stress of the pandemic have significantly increased the rates of insomnia worldwide.
Over half of people with COVID-19 experience sleep problems, with insomnia being the most common.
Both physical and mental health factors contribute to sleep disruption, and the problem may persist long after acute infection resolves.
At-home strategies and professional guidance can help improve sleep quality following COVID-19.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete