Prevalence and Predictors of Common Sleep Disorders among the Elderly in a Major Family Practice Center in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Sleep disorders in the geriatric age group in Saudi Arabia are not adequately studied.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among adults aged ≥60 years and to identify the predictors of these sleep disorders.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 171 participants aged ≥60 years in a major family practice center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, using a self-administered questionnaire composed of previously validated Arabic versions of the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Berlin Questionnaire (BQ). Data on demographic characteristics, lifestyles, and comorbidities were collected.

Results: The prevalence of insomnia was 29.2% (95% CI: 22.6%-36.7%). The majority had severe EDS (77.8%, 95% CI: 70.8%-83.8%), and 22.2% (95% CI: 16.2%-29.2%) were considered at high risk for OSA. Gastroesophageal reflux disease was a significant risk factor for insomnia (OR = 5.72, 95% CI: 2.06-15.87, P = 0.001), while being married was significantly associated with a lower prevalence (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.06-0.54, P = 0.002). Diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of EDS (OR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01-0.65, P = 0.018). Significant predictors of OSA were obesity (OR = 3.71, 95% CI: 1.34-10.29, P = 0.012) and hypertension (OR = 24.6, 95% CI: 4.35-139.27, P <0.001).

Conclusions: This study showed alarming levels of sleep disorders among the elderly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness, while obesity and hypertension were significant predictors of obstructive sleep disorder.