Sleepless in the Saudi Kingdom: Study Reveals One in Five Saudis Experience Insomnia

A recent national study has uncovered a concerning trend in sleep health across Saudi Arabia, with over 21% of residents reporting symptoms consistent with insomnia. The research, led by Mohammed Senitan, Dr. Nasser BinDhim, and Dr. Nora Althumiri, analyzed data from the 2024 Sharik Diet and Health Survey (SDHS)—a large-scale, cross-sectional phone survey covering all 13 administrative regions of the country.

How Was the Study Conducted?
The survey involved over 6,000 adult participants, recruited randomly from a database of over 74,000 individuals. Trained researchers conducted 8–10 minute interviews over the phone, using standardized and validated tools to assess sleep, mental health, and general well-being. Participants were asked about sleep satisfaction, patterns, concerns, and how sleep affects their daily lives. Responses were also scored using the Insomnia-3 tool—a short but effective screener based on the established Insomnia Severity Index.

Who Took Part?
The sample was nearly evenly split between men and women, with ages ranging from 18 to 90. Participants came from every region of the Kingdom, offering a truly national picture. Socio-economic diversity was also represented, with nearly a third reporting no stable income.

What Did They Find?

• Sleep Satisfaction: Almost half of the participants were either only sometimes satisfied or not satisfied at all with their sleep.

• Insomnia Prevalence: 21.6% of participants met the criteria for insomnia.

• Concern and Interference: About one in four were moderately to extremely concerned about their sleep, and nearly 34% reported that sleep problems interfered with their daily life.

• Health Connection: Insomnia was more common in those who rated their health as “Poor” or “Fair,” with 37.5% in this group experiencing insomnia symptoms—compared to just 10.8% among those reporting “Very Good” or “Great” health.

What About Mental Health?
While depression and anxiety levels were low (2.7% and 1% respectively), the study reinforces how crucial good sleep is to mental well-being, showing a clear link between sleep quality and overall self-rated health.

Why This Matters
Sleep is often overlooked in public health discussions, yet it plays a vital role in both mental and physical well-being. With over one in five Saudis showing signs of insomnia, the study highlights a significant area for health promotion and early intervention—especially for those already experiencing poor general health.

Understanding Insomnia and Sleep Quality

Sleep is a foundational pillar of health, yet insomnia—difficulty falling or staying asleep—is one of the most prevalent and disruptive conditions globally. It has been strongly linked to a range of chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, anxiety, and depression. Research also shows that even mild sleep disturbances can impair memory, reduce productivity, and lower overall quality of life.

According to global studies, such as those by Hertenstein and colleagues, insomnia not only increases the risk of developing mental health disorders but can also worsen the symptoms of existing ones. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in preventive health strategies, understanding the extent and nature of insomnia within the population is key to designing effective public health interventions.

Why These Results Differ From Previous Studies

This study’s relatively low insomnia rate stands in stark contrast to previous research from Saudi Arabia. For example:

• A Riyadh-based study using DSM-5 criteria reported a 40% prevalence.

• Another study in Aseer using the Athens Insomnia Scale found 60.1%.

• Research using tools like the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) showed insomnia prevalence as high as 76% in primary care settings.

What explains the difference? Study Design

Previous studies often targeted high-risk groups—such as patients with chronic diseases, middle-aged adults, or clinic visitors. This study, by contrast, focused on a broad and random sample of the general public.

Toward Healthier Sleep in a Healthier Saudi Arabia

While the findings offer a reassuring view of sleep health in Saudi Arabia, they also reveal a substantial minority grappling with sleep-related issues. This study contributes valuable national data and offers a scientific foundation for developing culturally relevant and evidence-based sleep health strategies.

As Saudi Arabia moves forward with its Vision 2030 health objectives, sleep—often the overlooked pillar of wellness—deserves a central place in the conversation. Because when a nation sleeps better, it thinks clearer, lives longer, and dreams bigger.