Use of sleeping pills, their determinants, and associations with mental health among Saudi university students

Abstract Background Insomnia is common among university students, with many using sleep aids without medical advice. Limited data exist on the factors influencing this use and its link to mental health in Saudi Arabia. Objectives To evaluate the prevalence and determinants of sleeping pill use among university students and its association with insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Methods This cross-sectional study collected 842 responses between April 2024 and March 2025 using an online questionnaire. After excluding incomplete or ineligible responses, 782 students were included in the final analysis. The survey incorporated the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Results Among the 782 participants, 34.1% reported current use of sleeping pills, with Panadol Night (50.5%), antihistamines (26.8%), and melatonin (19.9%) being the most used. Predictors of sleeping pill use included lower family income (OR = 0.57, p = 0.011), prior diagnosis of sleep disorders (OR = 4.31, p < 0.001), and concurrent medication use (OR = 2.67, p < 0.001). Although higher levels of insomnia, depression, and anxiety were observed among participants, these mental health variables were not independently associated with sleeping pill use in adjusted regression models. Conclusion Sleeping pill use is prevalent among Saudi university students and is primarily influenced by sociodemographic and clinical factors rather than mental health symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of raising awareness about non-pharmacological sleep strategies and implementing targeted mental health and sleep education programs at universities settings.