Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research

The Korean Vaccine Society (대한백신학회)
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Incidence of narcolepsy symptoms after taking COVID-19 vaccines: a Jordanian cross-sectional study

  • Mohammad Al Katatbeh (Department of Special Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Hashemite University) ;
  • Yazan Al-Mashakbeh (Department of Ear Throat Nose, New Zarqa Governmental Hospital) ;
  • Hadeel Freihat (Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science & Technology) ;
  • Hiba Gharam (Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science & Technology) ;
  • Rahmeh Mohammad (Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science & Technology) ;
  • Rahma Aldalki (Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science & Technology) ;
  • Sadeen Eid (Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science & Technology) ;
  • Reema Sharman (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Princess Badea Teaching Hospital) ;
  • Nizar Heissat (Department of Anesthesia, Al Hussain New Salt Hospital) ;
  • Ghusoon Al-Samarraie (Department of General Surgery, Jordan Hospital) ;
  • Ahmad Al-Shaibie (Department of Emergency Medicine, Bashir Hospital) ;
  • Laith Khasawneh (Department of Special Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Hashemite University)
  • Received : 2024.01.15
  • Accepted : 2024.06.26
  • Published : 2024.07.31
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Abstract

Purpose: Sleeping disorders were reported in many patients who took vaccines during previous pandemics. We aim to investigate the relationship between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines and the incidence of narcolepsy symptoms in the Jordanian population. Materials and Methods: We used a descriptive, cross-sectional, online self-administered survey conducted between December 2022 and May 2023. The survey targeted males and females above the age of 18 years who took any type of COVID-19 vaccine, had no chronic diseases, and had no sleep disorders prior to taking the vaccine. The survey was distributed via social media platforms. Results: A total of 873 participants were included in this study, consisting of 44.4% males and 55.6% females, with the majority being in the 18-29 age group. Most participants (79.8%) received two vaccine doses, with the Pfizer vaccine being the most common. Nearly half of the participants reported excessive daytime sleepiness. Sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations were reported by a notable proportion of participants, but no significant differences were found among the vaccine types. Sleep attacks and fragmented nighttime sleep were associated with the number of vaccine doses received, suggesting a possible influence of the dose count on these symptoms. The presence of excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden loss of muscle tone, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations showed no significant association with the number of doses taken. Conclusion: We hypothesize a possible link between COVID-19 vaccination and the emergence of narcolepsy symptoms in Jordanian individuals. Additional investigations and continuous monitoring to determine the extent of the risk and uncover potential mechanisms behind this connection should be performed.

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References

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