Exploring the Impact of Gaming Habits on Sleep Patterns Among Young Adults in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Video gaming is increasingly popular among young adults, potentially affecting health and daily routines, especially sleep patterns. In Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, the impact of video gaming on sleep and health among young adults is not well understood. This study aims to explore this relationship, focusing on how video gaming habits influence sleep patterns and associated health outcomes. Methods This cross-sectional survey utilized an adapted online questionnaire to gather data on demographics, video gaming habits, sleep patterns, and body mass index from young adults in Al-Ahsa. Statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression, was applied to examine the associations between video gaming habits and sleep sufficiency. Results The study included 302 participants, including 165 (54.6%) females. A majority reported playing video games for less than one hour daily (36.1%), with 82.5% preferring online gaming. Notably, 54.3% of participants slept more than six hours nightly, yet challenges with sleep initiation were evident, as 48.0% went to bed past midnight. Multivariable logistic regression highlighted significant factors affecting sleep sufficiency: participants who played games after completing tasks had 80% lower odds of sleep insufficiency compared to those who played before tasks. Overweight participants were found to be 7.7 times more likely to experience sleep insufficiency compared to their underweight peers. Conclusion The study underscores a complex relationship between video gaming habits and sleep patterns among young adults in Al-Ahsa, with significant health implications. It suggests the necessity for interventions promoting balanced gaming habits and improved sleep hygiene to mitigate adverse health outcomes.