Internet Gaming Disorder, Sleep Quality, and Gaming Time Among High School and University Students in Saudi Arabia

Background: Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has been linked to sleep disturbances, yet evidence from Saudi students is limited. Objective: We examined IGD symptom burden and its associations with daily gaming time and sleep quality among high school and university students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: In a cross-sectional online survey, participants completed the applicable consent process and were screened for gaming. Gamers completed a DSM-5-based IGD checklist and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). IGD symptom count was analyzed using negative binomial regression (IRR), adjusting for sociodemographic and academic covariates and then adding PSQI total score. Results: Of invited students (N = 534), (n = 408) were gamers. Among those with complete PSQI totals (n = 352), the mean PSQI was (7.49) (SD = 3.46), and poor sleep (PSQI > 5) affected about two-thirds. Longer daily gaming time was significantly associated with higher expected IGD symptom counts. After adjustment, higher PSQI total score remained significantly associated with greater symptom burden (Adjusted IRR = 1.049 per 1-point increase), while demographic variables and academic-performance score were not significant. Conclusions: IGD symptom burden and poor sleep were common among student gamers in Riyadh. Longer daily gaming time and poorer sleep quality were associated with higher IGD symptom counts. These findings may inform prevention efforts related to gaming habits and sleep hygiene; however, longitudinal studies are needed to clarify temporal directionality and determine whether these associations reflect causal pathways.