Many coronavirus patients have sleep problems. Some of them spend sleepless nights, but sleep the entire day. Others have disturbed sleep and wake up repeatedly throughout the night. And some simply cannot sleep at all. Yet adequate sleep is essential for coronavirus patients. A sound sleep at night activates the body’s T lymphocyte cells.
The reasons why coronavirus patients have sleep problems include panic, anxiety, mental stress and depression. Certain symptoms such as respiratory problems or diarrhoea also hamper sleep.
The following measures should be taken to ensure proper sleep:
· Follow the physician’s advice in coronavirus treatment and take medications accordingly
· Go to sleep and wake up the same time every day. Sleep at night and try to remain awake during the day.
· If you do not have physical difficulties, consult the physician and, during the day, do light exercise and also walk. Also with the physician’s advice, you can practice meditation, relaxation and mindfulness.
· Patients with mild symptoms should not spend the entire day lying in bed. Within the isolation room, you can sit down and also walk around.
· You can take a short nap in the daytime if you feel tired.
· Avoid smoking or anything addictive during this time. Avoid drinking tea or coffee in the evenings.
· Try to ensure loud noises or bright lights do not wake you from sleep at night. You should have a soothing light in your room. The room should not be stuffy or humid.
· Try to sit for some time in the verandah or by a window in the morning. Do not spend the entire day in the room with artificial light.
· If the physicians so advises, you may take sleeping pills for a few days. However, do not take sleeping medication on your own accord.
Helal Uddin Ahmed is associate professor at the National Mental Health Institute, Dhaka