Sleep Disorders During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Specifics and Psychological Diagnostic

The article describes the phenomenon of COVID-somnia, which includes a specific spectrum of changes in sleep from insomnia to behavior disorder during the REM sleep phase. Different effects of COVID-19 on sleep disorders have been shown. Manifestations of covid-associated sleep disorders (chronic insomnia, restless legs syndrome) are described. A model of the relationship between covid-associated anxiety, insomnia, and suicidal thinking is presented. The psychological factors influencing the phenomenon of COVID-somnia are systematized. Predicted insomnia during the COVID-19 pandemic consists of the presence of intolerance to uncertainty, covid-associated anxiety, feelings of loneliness, the presence of symptoms of depression and anxiety. The algorithm of screening assessment of the patient’s condition during the COVID-19 pandemic and the specifics of a complete psychological examination of the COVID-somnia phenomenon in the patient are described for the first time. The protocol of short-term remote cognitive-behavioral therapy of anxiety associated with the COVID-19 pandemic by E. M. Anderson to minimize chronic insomnia is presented.

Keywords:COVID-somnia; Coronavirus; COVID-19; Chronic insomnia; Restless legs syndrome; Cognitive behavioral therapy; Insomnia