Occupational Outcomes Associated with Sleep Quality and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Results from a National Survey

Abstract

Introduction

There are few population-level studies of the interactions between sleep quality/excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and occupational behavior. Here, we investigated the impact of sleep quality and EDS on occupational outcomes in a population-wide survey of adults in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A population-wide survey was administered to Saudi Arabian adults to assess sleep quality, EDS was measured using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and sleep-related absenteeism, sleep-related errors at work, and falling asleep at work in the preceding three months. Associations were evaluated using univariate analyses and binary logistic regression.

Results

A total of 10,106 individuals completed all or part of the survey, of whom 8617 (85.3%) were employed. Of these, 28.7% and 8.8% of respondents reported “fairly bad” or “very bad” sleep quality in the preceding month. In binary logistic regression models, taking sleep medications was associated with absenteeism (odds ratio (OR) 1.92, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.67–2.22; p<0.001) and making errors at work (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.62–2.20; p<0.001) but not falling asleep at work, and poor subjective sleep quality was associated with falling asleep at work (ORs 1.55, 95% CI 1.38–1.74; p<0.001). Severe EDS (ESS ≥16) was strongly associated with falling asleep at work (OR 3.39, 95% CI 2.51–4.48; p<0.001). Parameters associated with absenteeism, errors, and falling asleep at work were similar in blue- and white-collar workers.

Discussion

This first population-wide study of sleep quality and EDS in Saudi Arabia provides a comprehensive portrait of the prevalence of sleep problems and their effects on occupational outcomes. Sleep-related absenteeism, work errors, and sleeping at work are common, mandating tailored fatigue-reduction strategies in every workplace and reinvigoration of public health messages on sleep.

Keywords:

• Epworth Sleepiness Scale
• errors at work
• excessive daytime sleepiness
• sleep hygiene

Ethical Approval

The project was approved by the internal review board (IRB) of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU).

Consent to Participate

Electronic consent was obtained from each participant before participation.

Author Contributions

The author conceived, designed, executed, acquired, analysed and interpreted the data; drafted, revised, and critically reviewed the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agrees to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The author reports no conflicts of interest for this work.