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Exogenous Melatonin Use in University Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Sulafa T Alqutub1, Faris A Alzahrani2, Abdulrahman S Hassan2
1Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah P.O. Box 45311, Saudi Arabia.
Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 25, 2024
Summary
Melatonin use is common among Saudi university students, especially during exams. Over half of students surveyed use melatonin for sleep disorders, with most perceiving it as safe despite reporting headaches.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Sleep Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Exogenous melatonin is frequently used for sleep disorders.
- Understanding its prevalence and perceptions among university students is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of melatonin use among university students in Saudi Arabia.
- To investigate the perceived benefits, usage patterns, and safety of melatonin in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 380 university students from March to June 2023.
- Data collected included demographics, reasons for melatonin use, timing (especially around exams), perceived safety, and adverse effects.
Main Results:
- Approximately 52% of students reported using exogenous melatonin for sleep disorders.
- Melatonin use was highest during and after exam periods, often attributed to sleep deprivation.
- Headache was the most common adverse effect (37.5%), though 75.4% believed melatonin use was safe.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin use is prevalent among Saudi university students, with higher rates observed compared to previous studies.
- Usage patterns indicate a need for further research into its efficacy and safety in this population, particularly concerning exam-related sleep issues.
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