Neuropsychiatric Conditions and Sleep Patterns In Pediatric Long Covid: A Prospective Study

This prospective study aimed to investigate neuropsychiatric conditions and sleep behaviors in pediatric patients aged 6-18 years during the post-COVID-19 period (Long COVID). Utilizing actigraphy and questionnaires, we assessed neuropsychiatric symptoms, anxiety, and sleep conditions. Between September 2022 and October 2023, the study included 74 patients (44 male, 30 female; 9.95 ± 2.71 years old), examined approximately 6 months after COVID-19 infection, alongside 45 age- and sex-matched controls (19 male, 26 female; 9.38 ± 2.27 years old). Analysis of the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) revealed no significant overall difference in sleep disturbance incidence between patient and control groups (21.62% vs. 17.78%). However, the sleep hyperhidrosis subscale exhibited a significant elevation in the patient group (p=0.03), suggestive of autonomic dysfunction. Notably, neuropsychiatric symptoms were substantially higher in the patient group (22.97%) compared to controls (2.22%) (p<0.01). Patients with neuropsychological symptoms also demonstrated a higher prevalence of sleep disturbances (41.18%) compared to controls (17.78%) and patients without chronic neuropsychological symptoms (15.79%). While not statistically significant (p=0.06), this observation hints at a potential association. Furthermore, patients with chronic neuropsychological symptoms exhibited statistically significantly elevated scores in disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep compared to those without neuropsychological symptoms (p<0.01). Additionally, they showed significantly increased scores in disorders of excessive somnolence compared to controls ( p<0.01)and patients without neuropsychological symptoms (p<0.001). These findings underscore the intricate relationship between neuropsychiatric conditions and sleep disturbances in pediatric patients recovering from Long COVID.