Evaluating the Efficacy of Melatonin in Managing Sleep Disorders amongst Adults in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study
Abbas Fadeil Aleid, Lina Khalid S. Almunahi, Rinad Abdulwahab Bawahab, Moaied Mohammed Samaren, Obay Wail Dhafar, Hanadi Saad Alaqidi, Mostafa Habeeb AlhodibiAbstract
Introduction:
Sleep disorders, impacting a substantial portion of the global adult population, pose significant public health challenges. In the field of sleep medicine, the hormone melatonin, known for its regulatory role in sleep and circadian rhythms, has garnered increasing interest. This study situates itself within the existing literature, notably drawing on the foundational work of Fatemeh
Methods:
Employing a cross-sectional study design, this research focussed on adult participants between the ages of 18 and 65 years residing in Saudi Arabia, specifically targeting those with diagnosed sleep disorders. The methodology involved administering structured questionnaires and conducting comprehensive interviews to collect the data on sleep patterns, melatonin usage, dosage, frequency and associated health outcomes. Advanced statistical techniques, including regression analysis, were utilised to analyse the data, ensuring adherence to global health standards like WHO criteria for defining and measuring sleep disorders.
Results:
The study engaged a diverse cohort of 1835 participants, encompassing a wide demographic spectrum in Saudi Arabia. The results demonstrated a clear improvement in sleep quality amongst participants using melatonin, with significant reductions in the time taken to fall asleep and reported severity of sleep disorder symptoms. The data indicated a variable pattern in the prevalence and intensity of sleep disorders across different age groups and genders, highlighting the complex interplay of cultural, environmental and individual factors in sleep health.
Conclusion:
This study’s findings underscore the significant role of melatonin in improving sleep quality amongst Saudi Arabian adults. By providing empirical evidence of melatonin’s effectiveness in a specific cultural setting, the study adds a crucial dimension to the global understanding of sleep disorder management. These results advocate for the incorporation of melatonin in treatment regimens for sleep disorders, potentially influencing clinical practices in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of considering cultural nuances in public health strategies and paves the way for further research into the long-term effects and broader applications of melatonin in diverse populations.