Brain Fog on the Rise in India: From Post-COVID to Poor Sleep, Here’s What’s Causing It and How to Overcome It

Mental fatigue, confusion, and poor focus, what’s behind the growing wave of brain fog?

Across India, more and more people are reporting symptoms of brain fog—a state of mental cloudiness that leaves them struggling with memory, concentration, and everyday tasks. Once dismissed as minor or rare, brain fog is now gaining attention from health experts who link it to post-COVID effects, chronic stress, sleep deprivation, poor diet, and hormonal changes.

What is Brain Fog?

Brain fog isn’t a medical diagnosis but a symptom of cognitive dysfunction. People experiencing it often describe a sense of being mentally “fogged up”—like walking through thick mist, unable to focus clearly. It impacts thinking, memory, language, attention, and even basic decision-making.

What’s Causing the Surge?

Post-COVID impact: Up to 30% of people three months post-infection report brain fog, and 85% with long COVID continue to struggle with it.

Stress: High levels of chronic stress drain mental energy, reduce clarity, and impair reasoning.

Sleep deprivation: Poor or insufficient sleep reduces cognitive performance and focus.

Hormonal imbalances: Often influenced by environmental triggers, these can cause temporary memory lapses and confusion.

Nutritional gaps: Deficiency in Vitamin B12, omega-3s, and antioxidants—often caused by a processed diet—can weaken brain function.

Environmental and digital overload: Excessive screen time, polluted environments, and information bombardment add to mental fatigue.

Many report forgetting simple routines, such as turning off the stove or running meetings at work. Tasks like grocery shopping or navigating conversations become overwhelming. In some cases, it leads to emotional distress, guilt, and even relationship strain.

How to Clear the Fog

Digital detox: Limit screen time and take regular breaks.

Sleep hygiene: Aim for 8–9 hours of quality, uninterrupted rest.

Eat for the brain: Include foods rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins B12 and D, magnesium, and omega-3.

Stay active: Regular physical movement boosts blood flow and brain performance.

Mindfulness & meditation: Helps reduce anxiety and promote mental clarity.

Medical check-up: Rule out thyroid issues, deficiencies, or chronic conditions through blood tests.

Coping strategies: Use reminders, to-do lists, calendars, and adjust work routines to ease pressure.

It’s Not Just COVID

While COVID-19 has amplified awareness, brain fog can also result from:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
• Fibromyalgia
• Lupus
• Post-chemotherapy effects
• Concussion or brain injury
• HIV
• Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
• Lyme disease
• Coeliac disease (especially after gluten exposure)

Brain fog, though debilitating, is often reversible. With a combination of lifestyle changes, rest, and support, most people can regain clarity and functionality over time. The key is awareness—recognizing it early and taking conscious steps to address its root causes.

If symptoms persist, don’t hesitate to seek help. Cognitive health is just as important as physical health and brain fog is your mind’s way of asking for rest, care, and balance.