The Use of Hypnotics for Insomnia Disorder in Saudi Arabia: A Survey of Patients’ Experiences and Perceptions

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.