The use of hypnotics for primary insomnia in Saudi Arabia: a survey of patients’ experiences and perceptions

Dobia, Ali M., Ryan, Kath M., Abutaleb, M., BaHammam, Ahmed S., Abutaleb, Mohammed H., Alwadani, Rawaah Y. and Edwards, Alexander D. (2021) The use of hypnotics for primary insomnia in Saudi Arabia: a survey of patients’ experiences and perceptions. Sleep and Vigilance, 5, 235-244. (doi:10.1007/s41782-021-00151-7).

Abstract

Purpose: this study investigated the experiences and perceptions of Saudi patients with insomnia disorder.

Method: a cross-sectional design study (July 2019) using a self-administered questionnaire survey.

Results: sixty-eight patients with insomnia disorder participated (53% male, 47% female; 60% were younger than 45 years and a majority had a university-degree education level). Of the respondents, 64.7% were dissatisfied with their knowledge of insomnia and 97% wanted more information about its treatment. Approximately 59% used prescribed sleep medicines from the first instance and only 6% were referred to a psychologist for counselling. Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs were prescribed for 16% and 19% of respondents, respectively. A majority of respondents were given antihistamines or over-the-counter herbs. While 60% of patients used medications for long periods, 87% were not involved in treatment decisions. For those on long-term use, 80% were not seen regularly by doctors and 93% were provided with no plan for medicine discontinuations. More than 60% of respondents said that sleeping pills were best for treating insomnia and 31% believed that they are safe and would continue taking them. More than 45% would not prefer non-pharmacological treatments (e.g., counselling).

Conclusions: responses to the survey indicate a lack of knowledge about insomnia disorder and its treatment among Saudi patients. Prescribing hypnotics is the most common treatment, non-pharmacological treatments are seldom used, and responses indicated inappropriate and long-term use of hypnotics. Patients should be better educated about insomnia and its treatment. Physicians should consider using non-pharmacological treatments and the Saudi Ministry of Health should develop country-specific guidelines.

This record has no associated files available for download.

Contributors

Author: Alexander D. Edwards

Download statistics