Insomnia and Self-medication Among Pharmacists in Saudi Arabia

Background: Insomnia is considered one of the most common sleep disorders. One-third of the world’s population has one or more symptoms of insomnia, with 10% satisfying the criteria for clinical diagnosis. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of insomnia among pharmacists working in Saudi Arabia and its association with self-medication. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed online by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, targeting pharmacists from different working areas in Saudi Arabia. The survey included sociodemographic data, level of education, working area, and work experience; use of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic sleeping aid; reasons for self-medication; and the Insomnia Severity Index questionnaire. Results: A total of 515 pharmacists participated in the study (male 53.4% vs. female 46.6%). The prevalence of clinically significant insomnia was 48.2%. Of these, 66.5% were mild, 29.8% were moderate, and 3.6% were severe. The prevalence of pharmacists currently using sleep aid medications was 22.7%. Factors associated with clinically significant insomnia were younger age (21-30 years), female sex, unmarried status, living in the central region, chronic diseases, history of psychiatric disorder, consultation with a health care professional, current use of sleep aid medications, and use of psychological and behavioral intervention as a sleeping aid. Conclusion: Insomnia is common among pharmacists in Saudi Arabia, but selfmedication is uncommon. Of all pharmacists, female young adults who were not married and had a previous history of psychiatric disorders were greatly affected by insomnia and self-medicated the most.