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. 2024 Apr 23;16(4):e58858.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.58858. eCollection 2024 Apr.

Comparing the Prevalence of Sleep Disorders Among Underweight, Normal, Overweight, and Obese Adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Mohammed A AlAteeq  1   2   3 , Meshael M Alghaihab  4 , Lujain K Marghlani  4 , Lenah A Shamsaddin  4 , Remaz K Alghamdi  4 , Maha A Alfadley  4
Affiliations

Comparing the Prevalence of Sleep Disorders Among Underweight, Normal, Overweight, and Obese Adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Mohammed A AlAteeq et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background Sleep disorders are prevalent worldwide and can have a negative impact on physical and psychological well-being. Numerous studies have explored the reciprocal connection between obesity and sleep disorders. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of sleep disorders among underweight, normal, overweight, and obese adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 378 adults visiting primary healthcare centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from August to November 2022. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that included a section for demographic data and the SLEEP-50 questionnaire in both English and Arabic languages. Results Most of the participants were aged between 25 and 34 years (37.6%), 79.1% were females and 59.5% were either overweight or obese. Most participants (78.3%) had at least one sleep disorder, with narcolepsy being the most frequent disorder (65.1%), and 23% had two combined sleep disorders. Obese and overweight patients were significantly more likely to have sleep disorders (p=0.011), and obese patients were more likely to have all sleep disorders (p=0.049). Conclusion The prevalence of sleep disorders, namely narcolepsy and insomnia, is high among adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Moreover, sleep disorders are significantly associated with obesity. Evaluation and management of sleep disorders in clinical settings among patient with overweight or obese is important to improve their quality of life and to prevent physical and psychological complications.

Keywords: chronic conditions; insomnia; narcolepsy; obesity; obstructive sleep apnea.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Type of medication being taken
Figure 2
Figure 2. Associated chronic diseases
Figure 3
Figure 3. Prevalence of sleep disorders
Figure 4
Figure 4. Arabic version of the questionarie
Figure 5
Figure 5. English version of questionnaire - part 1
Figure 6
Figure 6. English version of questionnaire - part 2
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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