Sleep Quality and Insomnia Prevalence Among a Saudi Population: A Descriptive Study

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.

To assess sleep quality and estimate the prevalence of insomnia among the general population across all regions of Saudi Arabia.

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.

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.

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.