Introduction:

various treatments are known to treat and cure depression. Psychotherapy and medication are among the most used. Clinical hypnosis uses a discourse based on suggestions and conditioned sleep reflexes to achieve stability in sleep-wake cycle dysregulation, which is an essential factor in the treatment of people depressed by COVID-19.

Objective:

to compare the evolution in sleep quality and quantity in patients with post-COVID depression who were treated with medication and hypnotherapy.

Methods:

an explanatory comparative study with a quasi-experimental design was carried out. The sample consisted of 40 patients who were admitted due to COVID-19 at "Cmdte. Manuel Fajardo Rivero" Clinical and Surgical University Hospital from Santa Clara between January and March 2021. Beck Depression Inventory and a questionnaire were used in a group of patients to assess the sleep quality and quantity before and after the intervention with medication; hypnosis was used in the other group. Descriptive statistics was also used.

Results:

the used therapy was effective in both groups, reduced levels of depression and eliminated sleep disturbances.

Conclusions:

both forms of treatment can be used to treat depression and sleep disorders. The suggestive method of awakening from hypnotic sleep to natural sleep was as effective as the psychoactive drugs used.