The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) affected millions of people worldwide. Beyond its effects in many areas, mental health impacts were observed across a large portion of the global population. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly elevated stress levels for virtually all of humanity.
Being confined at home changed people's normal lives, including physical activity, eating habits, electronic device usage, and sleep patterns.
When under stress, the body releases cortisol, the most important stress hormone. While cortisol circulates in our body, heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, and muscles tense. Chronic stress causes the body to become accustomed to cortisol's presence, making it harder for the immune system to fight diseases.
Insomnia is another factor that can negatively affect health. Sleep plays an important role in immune regulation, and sleep deprivation reduces the immune response.
COVID-somnia (Coronasomnia) is a term used to describe sleep disorders seen during the pandemic. Insomnia was particularly common among women. It is possible to say that there is a bidirectional relationship between COVID-19 infection and sleep disorders.
In conclusion, controlling stress and sleep disorders is important not only for reducing the risk of infection during the pandemic but also for reducing negative health outcomes related to the disease.