Sleep habits and melatonin use among health college students in Jordan: A cross-sectional study

Sleep disorders are a prevalent health issue, and insomnia is particularly troubling for many individuals. Melatonin is widely used to improve sleep by enhancing onset and duration among people with sleep disturbances. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed to evaluate sleep habits, knowledge, and use of melatonin as a sleep aid among health college students. Data were collected through a validated online questionnaire distributed via WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams platforms. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). A composite knowledge score was generated to measure participants’ understanding of melatonin. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to identify significant predictors of higher knowledge scores. A total of 539 students participated, nearly half from pharmacy (n = 259). Nineteen percent reported difficulty falling asleep, while 43% experienced interrupted sleep. Three-quarters preferred to sleep without medication, 63% favoured natural remedies over melatonin, and only 13% reported using melatonin as a sleep aid. Knowledge regarding melatonin's properties, uses, and adverse effects was low, with a mean score of 3.26 out of 8 (SD = 1.89). Significant predictors of higher knowledge included governorate of residence, field of study, year of study, and prior melatonin use. The year of study was the strongest predictor (p < 0.001). Sleep habits among health college students in Jordan were deemed unhealthy. Knowledge concerning melatonin uses was insufficient and warrants more education of health college students of Melatonin. Focused campaigns and comprehensive curricula are possible means to enhance spread awareness.