Sleep disorders in a sample of students in Taif University, Saudi Arabia: The role of obesity, insulin resistance, anemia and high altitude.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of sleep disorders and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) among Taif University students and to explore the precipitating factors of these disorders. METHODS: This study was carried out on 1066 students in Taif University of both sexes aging from 18 to 25 years. All included individuals were subjected to full history taking and thorough clinical examination, with special concern on anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index). Also, fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index and blood hemoglobin levels were measured. Sleep disorders were assessed using sleep disturbances scale and the Epworth sleepiness scale. RESULTS: The overall incidence of sleep disorders and EDS was 31.33% and 15.29% respectively with statistically significant prevalence in females than males. There was significant positive correlation between sleep disturbances scale and Epworth sleepiness scale on one hand and body weight, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, the height of the residence place above the sea level, fasting and post-prandial blood glucose, fasting serum insulin and HOMA index on the other hand. Also, there was significant negative correlation between sleep disturbances scale and Epworth sleepiness scale on one hand and blood hemoglobin levels on the other hand. CONCLUSION: Sleep disorders and EDS in Taif University students were precipitated by high altitude, anemia, obesity and glucose intolerance. Control of these factors may have a positive impact on the incidence of sleep disorders and EDS in this age group.

Sleep disorders in adolescents and young adults: Insights into types, relationship to obesity and high altitude and possible lines of management.

A sleep disorder is a medical disorder of the sleep pattern of a person that may be serious enough to interfere with normal physical, mental and emotional functioning. Disruptions in sleep can be caused by a variety of causes, from teeth grinding to night terrors. Sleep disorders are usually prevalent among adolescents and young adults, possibly due to factors related to life style, dietary habits, hormonal and emotional disturbances. Other factors that may precipitate sleep disorders include environmental, psychological and genetic factors. Sleep disorders may lead to serious psychological and mood disorders and may even affect the immune system. Management of sleep disorders depends on amelioration of the precipitating factors and the use of certain drugs that may help to restore the normal sleep-wake cycle. This review sheds light on sleep disorders in adolescents and young adults regarding their types, etiology, dangers and possible lines of management.