A health resort-based intervention reduces insomnia with minimal changes in quality of life in COVID-19 survivors and non-COVID-19 controls.

BACKGROUND

Persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms, especially insomnia, are common and markedly impair quality of life. While some patients improve over time, many experience long-lasting complaints. Health resort treatment has shown potential benefits in long COVID, but its effects on sleep and quality of life remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of comprehensive health resort treatment on insomnia and quality of life in post-COVID-19 individuals and to compare outcomes with those without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection.

METHODS

A total of 101 participants, including 30 post-COVID-19 individuals, underwent comprehensive health resort treatment. Propensity score matching was used to compare post-COVID-19 and non-COVID groups. Insomnia and health-related quality of life were assessed using the Athens Insomnia Scale and EQ-5D-5L, respectively, before and after the sanatorium stay.

RESULTS

The Athens Insomnia Score significantly decreased in post-COVID-19 individuals following sanatorium treatment (6.24 ± 5.93 vs. 3.97 ± 4.19 points; p = 0.0005). The EQ index did not change significantly after treatment (p = 0.08). Overall health status, assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), significantly improved in individuals with a history of COVID-19 (76.03 ± 12.70 vs. 88.45 ± 7.80 points; p < 0.0001). Treatment effectiveness did not differ significantly between the patient groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive health resort treatments may improve insomnia and self-reported health in COVID-19 survivors. Effects on overall quality of life appear limited, and outcomes are similar to those in individuals without prior COVID-19. Further research is needed to clarify the clinical utility of this approach.