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Sleep disorders in Saudi health care workers
S O Wali1, A B Krayem, Y S Samman
1Khalid National Guard Hospital, Jeddah, King Fahad National Guard Hospital, Riyadh, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, and Um Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Annals of Saudi Medicine
|February 6, 2007
Summary
Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is common in Saudi employees, with nearly 40% scoring above 10 on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Many sleep disorders are prevalent but unrecognized in this population.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Sleep Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Sleep habits and disorders are crucial for overall health and productivity.
- Assessing sleep patterns in working populations is essential for identifying potential health risks.
- Standardized questionnaires aid in screening for sleep disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen Saudi employees for common sleep habits and disorders.
- To determine the prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).
- To identify specific sleep problems within the study population.
Main Methods:
- A standard questionnaire was administered to a random sample of Saudi medical and paramedical personnel.
- Sleep habits, daytime sleepiness (ESS), and specific sleep problems were assessed.
- Data from 163 respondents were analyzed.
Main Results:
- 39.3% of respondents reported excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) with an ESS score >10.
- Insomnia was reported by 51.5% of females and 34.6% of males.
- Other reported sleep issues included habitual snoring (5.4% males), sleep-related breathing pauses (7.7% males, 6.1% females), restless leg syndrome (12.9%), sleep paralysis (16.0%), and cataplexy (1.2%).
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of EDS in Saudi employees appears high when using Western norms for the ESS.
- The study suggests a potentially broader range for normal ESS scores in the Saudi population.
- Sleep disorders are common yet often unrecognized among Saudi workers, highlighting a need for increased awareness and intervention.
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