Insomnia among healthcare professionals during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant impairment of sleep quality has been observed among healthcare professionals. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the global prevalence and severity of insomnia among healthcare workers during the acute phase of the pandemic and into the post-pandemic period. A systematic search of electronic databases and citation tracking identified 34 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Pooled prevalence and severity were calculated using a random-effects model. The influence of potential moderator variables was evaluated using subgroup analyses and meta-regressions. The estimated pooled prevalence of insomnia among healthcare workers was 43.5% (95% CI: 35.4%–51.9%). The pooled severity scores exceeded the clinical threshold for insomnia across all outcome measures. The multiple meta-regression model identified measurement instrument, geographical location, and response rate as significant predictors of prevalence estimates. The high rates of insomnia identified in this study highlight the need for targeted psychological support for healthcare professionals. Variability in prevalence estimates appears to be influenced by methodological factors as well as cultural and contextual differences. These findings underscore the importance of standardizing assessment tools and considering regional and cultural factors when designing mental health interventions and interpreting epidemiological data.