Prevalence and Impact of Allergic Rhinitis on Sleep Disturbances in the General Population of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory disorder that significantly impacts sleep quality, affecting millions worldwide, including a growing population in Saudi Arabia. Despite this, there is limited data on its prevalence and effect on sleep disturbances in the general Saudi population. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of AR and its association with sleep disturbances among adults in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2024 to April 2025, including 546 participants across different Saudi regions. Data were collected via an online questionnaire incorporating the Score for AR and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, t -tests, and logistic regression to examine associations. Results: The overall prevalence of AR was 72.7%, with 44.1% classified as severe cases. Sleep disturbances were significantly more common among participants with AR, with poor sleep quality reported in 21.4% of AR patients versus 8.7% of non-AR individuals (odds ratio = 2.85; 95% confidence interval: 1.54–5.28; P = 0.0006). Common sleep problems included nighttime awakenings (59.3%), difficulty falling asleep (48.4%), and breathing difficulties (25.8%). A significant linear trend was observed between increasing AR severity and worsening sleep quality ( P = 0.0155). Conclusion: AR is highly prevalent among the general population of Saudi Arabia and is strongly associated with sleep disturbances. Early diagnosis and management of AR are crucial to improving sleep quality and overall quality of life. Future interventions should emphasize integrated care strategies addressing both allergic symptoms and sleep health.