Prevalence of over-the-counter sleep aid use and sleep quality among medical residents at King Fahad medical city, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Introduction Sleep quality is a key factor in the overall health and performance of healthcare professionals, especially medical residents, whose irregular schedules and high-stress levels frequently result in poor sleep and dependence on over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids. This study examined the prevalence of OTC sleep aid usage, contributing factors, and effects on sleep quality. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among medical residents at King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from August to December 2024. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling via social media and on-site distribution. Data was collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Demographic characteristics and data related to the use of OTC sleep aids were also collected. One-way ANOVA and unpaired t-test were used to assess the association between sociodemographic characteristics, the use of OTC sleep aids, and sleep quality. Results The study included 324 residents, 47.2% of whom reported using OTC sleep aids. Among OTC sleep aid users ( n = 153), 77.0% reported using them as needed. The mean PSQI score for all participants was 8.16 ± 3.57, with 76.2% ( n = 247) reporting poor sleep quality (PSQI ≥ 6). Sleep quality was significantly worse among OTC sleep aid users (9.08 ± 3.56 vs. 7.27 ± 3.27, respectively, p < 0.001). Surgical residents reported lower sleep quality than medical residents (PSQI: PSQI 9.08 ± 3.62 vs. 7.95 ± 3.48, p = 0.04). Residents with poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5) had 2.61 times higher odds of using OTC sleep aids compared to those with good sleep quality (95% CI: 1.52–4.58, p < 0.001), with 52.6% of residents with poor sleep quality using OTC sleep aids compared to only 29.9% of those with good sleep quality Work-related demands were the most common motivator for using sleep aids (57.72%). Side effects were reported by 37.8% of users, with fatigue and drowsiness being the most frequent complaints. Conclusion The use of OTC sleep aids was highly prevalent among medical residents, with poor sleep quality being the primary driving factor for usage. Residents experiencing sleep difficulties are more likely to turn to self-medication as a coping strategy. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive sleep health programs that provide effective, safer alternatives and address the root causes of sleep disturbances in this population.