Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Sleep quality is a critical factor for maintaining physical and mental well-being, with insomnia being one of the most common sleep disorders affecting global populations. Aim: To assess sleep quality and estimate the prevalence of insomnia among the general population across all regions of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Sharik Diet and Health Survey (SDHS), covering all 13 administrative regions of Saudi Arabia. The sample comprised 6051 participants aged between 18 and 90 years. Sleep quality and insomnia levels were evaluated using structured phone interviews conducted from July to August 2023. Results: The majority of participants did not report suffering from insomnia, with only a small fraction indicating its presence. The prevalence of insomnia, based on participant-reported dissatisfaction with sleep patterns, was relatively low, with 21.5% of respondents reporting dissatisfaction (16.1% “Not Satisfied” and 5.4% “Very Unsatisfied”). Additionally, 42.4% of participants reported being “Not Concerned” about their sleep, while 33.9% experienced no interference with daily life due to sleep issues. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into sleep quality and insomnia prevalence among the general population in Saudi Arabia. Although the overall prevalence of insomnia is lower compared to previous studies, a notable subset of the population experiences dissatisfaction and concerns regarding sleep. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing socio-economic disparities and mental health factors to improve sleep quality. Future research should focus on longitudinal assessments to better understand the factors influencing insomnia and the effectiveness of intervention strategies. Plain Language Summary: This study looked at sleep quality and insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep) among adults in Saudi Arabia. Good sleep is essential for both physical and mental health, helping people feel energized and focused during the day. However, insomnia is a common sleep disorder worldwide, impacting millions and leading to problems like fatigue, irritability, and reduced quality of life. The researchers collected data from 6051 adults across Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions through phone interviews. Participants were asked about their sleep patterns, satisfaction with sleep quality, and any concerns related to sleep. The study aimed to understand how many people experience insomnia and factors affecting sleep quality among different groups in the population. Findings showed that while most participants were generally satisfied with their sleep, about 21.5% expressed dissatisfaction, and 42.4% reported no concerns about their sleep. These results suggest that insomnia is less prevalent in this sample compared to other studies, but some people still face sleep difficulties. Additionally, insomnia was more common in certain groups, including people with lower income or those reporting other health issues. This study highlights the need for targeted health programs to address sleep quality and suggests that improving sleep health in the population could benefit overall well-being. The researchers recommend more studies to explore why sleep issues occur and how to effectively support those affected. Keywords: sleep disorders, public health, mental well-being, health disparities, Saudi Arabia population, sleep patterns
Source: Nature and Science of Sleep
DOI: 10.2147/nss.s503297
Institution: Saudi Electronic University
Language: English
Topic: Sleep and related disorders
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,836
OpenAlex ID: W4409363256