Exploring the Prevalence and Patterns of Use of Sleep Aids and Stimulants Among Emergency Physicians and EMS Providers in Saudi Arabia

Purpose: This study explores the prevalence and patterns of the use of pharmacologic sleep aids and stimulants among Saudi Arabia's emergency physicians (EPs) and emergency medical services (EMS) providers. Patients and Methods: We adopted a descriptive, cross-sectional design. To collect data on the types and frequencies of sleep aids and stimulants used, we distributed a semi-structured, anonymous, web-based questionnaire to registered EPs, paramedics, and emergency medicine technicians (EMTs) in the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. An internal consistency analysis showed good reliability (Cronbach's alpha=0.667) of the questionnaire. A subscale analysis confirmed the results--alpha values were 0.720 and 0.618 for the use of sleep aids and stimulants, respectively. Results: Males and females represented 81.8% and 18.2%, respectively, of the valid sample of 669 participants. Respondents aged 25-34, 35-14, and 45-55 years represented 51.9%, 32.7%, and 10.2% of the sample, respectively. Results showed that a majority of the respondents (67.1%) used stimulants. Caffeine was the most common stimulant; caffeine and energy drinks were used by 65.9% and 17.2% of the respondents, respectively. Caffeine, energy drinks, nicotine, and ephedrine were used by 65.9%, 17.2%, 18.5%, and 17.3% of the respondents, respectively. The respondents who used at least one sleeping aid and those using only one and two sleeping aids accounted for 36.6%, 15.6%, and 9.7%, respectively. The most common sleeping aids antihistamines and marijuana were used on most days by 13.4% and 13.3% of the respondents, respectively. The average monthly number of night shifts (P = 0.025) significantly influenced sleep aid use. Respondents working in night shifts for 3-5 months or more than 7 days were more likely to use sleeping aids. Conclusion: Future research should enhance health workers' knowledge of the efficacy and safety of these medications and guide strategies to organize and reduce night shift work. Keywords: sleep disruption, shift work, circadian rhythm, night shift