Changes in Sleep Quality in Patients Older than 60 Years, Post-COVID Pandemic.

Abstract

Unassigned: Background: COVID-19 is a disease that had a great impact in the world, generating lifestyle changes; among these are changes in sleep quality, with the elderly being one of the most affected age groups. Objective: To identify sleep alterations in Mexican people older than 60 years post COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We performed a descriptive study on subjects older than 60 years from the aging cohort of the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases. Demographic data, sleep questionnaires (Pittsburgh), and quality of life (SF-12) were assessed pre-pandemic. During the period from June 2021 to August 2022, the questionnaires were repeated post-pandemic through telephone. Qualitative variables were analyzed with frequencies and percentages, whereas quantitative variables were analyzed with means and standard deviations. The groups were compared using the X² test and Student's t-test. Results: We analyzed 279 subjects who completed two questionnaires. An alteration in sleep quality variables was observed post-COVID, including a decrease in sleep hours (7.33 h versus 7.17 h, p = 0.03), and a trend to a longer time to fall asleep (23 m vs 27 m, p = 0.06). In the questionnaire on toxicology, we found higher alcohol consumption (18% vs. 27%, p = 0.01) and vitamin ingestion (34% vs. 46%, p = 0.003). Subjects also described more nighttime awakenings, with more than 3 times per week (25% vs. 44%, p < 0.0001), generating a worse auto perception of healthy well-being (88.3 vs. 82.02 p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic affected sleep quality in different aspects, and it increased the consumption of alcohol and vitamins. (Rev Invest Clin. 2024;76(6):239-42).