Stress, sleep, and use of sleep aids among physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to explore the use of sleeping aids among physicians in Saudi Arabia and its correlation with stress and insomnia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A sample of 1313 physicians was collected through an online cross-sectional convenience survey. The survey was E-mailed by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties to the registered physicians in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes questions related to personal and sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19, sleep-aid use, the Insomnia Severity Index, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Results: The participants were from various job levels (398 consultants, 1919 registrars, and 716 residents) and mainly from the central (38.2%) and Western (35%) regions. More than a third of them were using sleep aids (38.6%), which were mostly melatonin (75.7%). More than half of them had insomnia (67.1%), and the majority had moderate to high perceived stress (80.1%). Significant associations were found between insomnia and a number of personal and sociodemographic characteristics: Single status, young physicians, residents, smokers, and involvement in a COVID-19 management team. Other significant associations were found between stress and a number of personal and sociodemographic characteristics: Female sex, single status, young physicians, residents, working in the Ministry of Health, being on call 5–8 times/month, and involvement in a COVID-19 management team. Conclusions: Physicians in Saudi Arabia have had increased insomnia, stress, and use of sleep aids during the COVID-19 pandemic. Single, young physicians need more attention to support their psychological well-being.