Daytime sleepiness among health workers affected by COVID-19 during the “OMICRON” wave

INTRODUCTION: Excessive daytime sleepiness is a frequent symptom in the general population. It may be fleeting, due to transient circumstances, or it may be related to certain pathologies. Indeed, following their infection with SARS-COV2, several healthcare workers (HCWs) have complained of excessive daytime sleepiness. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess excessive daytime sleepiness in the SARS-COV2-affected HCWs during the “OMICRON” wave. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted among the HCWs of Charles Nicolle Hospital with COVID-19 during the period from 22 December 2021 to 31 January 2022. Sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale administered during the return to work medical visit. RESULTS: During the “OMICRON” wave, 58 HCWs joined our study. The average age was 39 +/- 10 years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.2. The participants had no previous history of sleep disorders. Excessive daytime sleepiness was found in 21 participants (36% of cases). Excessive daytime sleepiness was mild in 81% of cases, moderate in 14%, and severe in 5%. The category most affected was senior technicians in 57% of cases. Most of the HCWs suffering from daytime sleepiness were working in the gynecology department (19%) and the neurology department (19%). CONCLUSIONS: Early and systematic screening for sleep disorders after any SARS-COV2 infection is necessary to ensure the good health of the HCWs and to reduce accidents and errors in professional procedures. DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST: None Declared