Whole-body cryotherapy improves sleep quality in individuals with long COVID and other chronic conditions

Aim: The purpose of this literature review is to summarize current findings on the relationship between long COVID syndrome (LCS) and other chronic diseases, sleep disorders, and to assess the potential benefits of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) as a complementary form of therapy. Materials and Methods: This review covers the current body of international scientific literature from last decade. Randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and clinical case reports were included in the analysis, allowing for a multifaceted and critical evaluation of the available empirical data. This approach makes it possible not only to identify potential mechanisms of action of WBC in the context of LCS and co-occurring disorders, but also to assess the quality and consistency of the available evidence, which has important implications for further research and clinical practice. Conclusions: WBC may improve sleep quality in people with LCS and other chronic diseases by promoting muscle recovery, reducing inflammation and improving mental well-being. Although the current data are mainly associative, further studies with larger samples and longer follow-up are needed to confirm these effects. In the future, WBC may become part of a multidisciplinary approach to treating sleep disorders in patients with chronic conditions, supporting their overall health and quality of life.