Why can't I fall asleep all night after recovering from COVID-19?

Jan 19, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
"Yang Kang" generally refers to recovery after being infected with the novel coronavirus. Insomnia throughout the night after recovery may be caused by negative emotions, viral infection, or damage to the central nervous system. Due to widespread rumors about the novel coronavirus's transmissibility, pathogenicity, and fatality rate, patients may easily experience negative emotions such as fear, anxiety, and depression after infection, leading to sleeplessness throughout the night.

"Yang Kang" generally refers to recovery after being infected with the novel coronavirus. Insomnia occurring after recovery may be caused by negative emotions, viral infection, or damage to the central nervous system. Appropriate management should be carried out according to the specific cause to restore normal sleep.

1. Negative Emotions

Due to widespread rumors about the high transmissibility, pathogenicity, and mortality rate of the novel coronavirus, patients may easily develop negative emotions such as fear, anxiety, and depression during infection. Even after testing negative, these emotional disturbances can persist and lead to difficulty sleeping throughout the night. Timely intervention is necessary—psychological counseling can help relieve mental stress, and sleep-promoting medications such as diazepam tablets may be used under medical guidance.

2. Viral Infection

After being infected with the novel coronavirus, patients may experience symptoms such as high fever, dizziness, general weakness, and body aches. Even though the virus test has turned negative, complete physical recovery might not have occurred, and lingering discomfort can still interfere with sleep. In such cases, applying cold compresses to the forehead can help reduce body temperature. Additionally, medications like ibuprofen sustained-release tablets—used for relieving fever, pain, and inflammation—can be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Avoid combining multiple medications to prevent potential liver damage.

3. Central Nervous System Damage

The novel coronavirus may invade and affect the central nervous system after entering the body, leading to abnormal neural excitation and resulting in insomnia. The primary approach in such cases is to eliminate the virus. Antiviral treatments such as antiviral oral solution or Lianhua Qingwen capsules may be used under medical supervision to improve symptoms.