With the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic & Post-COVID syndrome,sleep disturbance & insomnia are among the major symptoms reported. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)is a validated, self-reported questionnaire to assess sleep quality. The PSQI has been utilised in qualitative studies examining sleep disturbance Post-COVID-19, but has not been compared to objective sleep assessment in this population.

Participants were recruited from a Post-COVID Clinic. Sleep disturbance, sleepiness & fatigue were assessed using the PSQI, Epworth Sleepiness Score, Chalder Fatigue Score & Berlin Score. Those with excessive fatigue or daytime sleepiness were referred for sleep assessment with the WatchPAT(WP).

One hundred & thirty one patients were surveyed, with a 69% (n=91) response rate. Of those, 89% had an elevated PSQI consistent with significant sleep disturbance. Thirty-eight individuals proceeded for sleep assessment. Self-reported sleep duration, sleep latency & sleep efficacy was compared to WP measurements. The most commonly reported sleep latency was <15minutes & median±IQR recorded was 20±13minutes(r=-0.05), reported sleep duration was 6±1hours compared to 6.5±2hours(r=0.07) & reported sleep efficacy was 70±18% compared to 85±8%(r=0.06). There was poor correlation found between self-reported sleep parameters and that determined by WP. Poor correlation remained when individuals without, or with mild, moderate or severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea were examined.

There is poor correlation between self-reported measures of sleep quality, determined by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index,& subjective sleep assessment via WatchPAT in a Post-COVID population.