Sleep Apnea Increases Risks for Long COVID, New Study Suggests

People with sleep apnea may be at increased risk for long COVID, according to a new study. Researchers say these patients may benefit from closer monitoring after a COVID-19 infection. Based on data from more than 2.2 million American adults and children who had the virus, the researchers found that adults with obstructive sleep apnea were up to 75% more likely to experience long COVID.

Women with the condition were more likely to have long COVID than men, but no significant association was found in children. After controlling for other medical conditions, including obesity, the senior author emphasized that, along with closer monitoring, "People with obstructive sleep apnea should also keep up with their vaccinations to minimize the risk of infection."

Symptoms of long COVID include shortness of breath, fatigue, heart palpitations, stomach pain, difficulty thinking, and sleep problems, which can persist for weeks or months after the initial COVID infection.