Characterizing sleeping habits and disturbances among Saudi adults

Abstract

ObjectivesTo characterize sleeping habits, assess sleep disturbance prevalence, and identify associated factors among Saudi adults.MethodsA total of 1720 adults were approached for this observational cross-sectional study between October 2014 and March 2015. The study took place in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. We used a questionnaire to describe sleeping characteristics in relation to existing chronic diseases, smoking status, obesity, daily performance and sociodemographic variables.ResultsThe response rate was 79.6% (1369 participants), 61.6% have or may have sleeping disturbances of which 18.6% claimed either slowed or stopped breathing during sleep. Women reported a higher prevalence of sleep disturbances (65.2%). Feeling tired was significantly associated with sleep disturbance (49% versus 19.7%) (p<0.001). Approximately 78.4% of those with sleep disturbance significantly believed that their ability to perform daily tasks is affected (p=0.005). Moreover, smoking and obesity were significantly associated with sleep disturbances (p<0.01). Participants with asthma, hypertension, chronic heart disease, and diabetes mellitus reported significantly more sleeping disturbance (p=0.016 to p=0.001).ConclusionsSleep disturbances are associated with obesity, smoking, chronic health conditions, and lower performance among Saudi adults.

Overweight and obesity among adults in the Gulf States: A systematic literature review of correlates of weight, weight‐related behaviours, and interventions

“…First, the results of the 84 eligible correlate studies are described, followed by the data on the seven intervention studies …”

“…All correlate studies were cross‐sectional, except for one longitudinal study . Half of the studies were performed in Saudi Arabia, and a large number were performed in Kuwait . Approximately 30% of studies involved university students.…”

“…Recent studies have also investigated sleep in relation to weight/obesity in the Gulf States. Obesity was significantly associated with sleep disturbances and short sleep duration …”

Excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep hygiene of working adults in Spain

“…El sueño es una parte fundamental de la vida 1 y uno de los factores más influyentes en el bienestar del individuo, además de un claro indicador del estado de salud de la población 2 , relacionándose una mala calidad de sueño con obesidad, consumo de tabaco y enfermedades crónicas, entre otros 3 . La mala calidad del sueño es considerada como un problema de salud pública en los países occidentales y es la principal causa de somnolencia diurna excesiva (SDE) 4 .…”

Phase down of amalgam

“…With great interest, we have read the article by Al-Rabab’ah et al1 entitled “Awareness of Minamata convention among Jordanian dentists.” In this article, the authors assessed the knowledge of Jordanian dentists toward phase down of amalgam as recommended by the Minamata Convention and their training and competency in placing posterior composites. Over the past several years, we have also shown that when dental amalgam fillings are exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) produced by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or those generated by other sources such as mobile phones, the level of mercury release from dental amalgam restorations can be significantly increased 2,3.…”