Insomnia Severity and Its Demographic and Health-Related Correlates Among Paramedic Students in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Sleep disturbances among healthcare students can negatively affect academic performance and future clinical decision-making. However, limited evidence exists on insomnia among Emergency Medical Services (EMS) students, a group exposed to unique academic and operational stressors. This study assessed insomnia severity and its demographic and health-related correlates among paramedic students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 238 EMS students in Saudi Arabia. Insomnia severity was assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Descriptive statistics summarized insomnia levels, and bivariate tests and multiple linear regression were used to examine group differences and predictors in SPSS. Results: The mean ISI score was 11.8 ± 5.3, indicating subthreshold insomnia among paramedic students. Higher insomnia severity was observed among single students than among married students (12.1 vs. 7.4, p = 0.005), among students at private universities (19.3 vs. 11.6, p = 0.001), and among those with chronic medical or diagnosed mental illness (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found by gender, region, academic level, or dormitory residence (p > 0.05). Regression analysis showed that marital status and university type were significant predictors of insomnia symptom severity. Conclusions: Insomnia is common among EMS students and may have implications for both student well-being and future clinical performance. Addressing sleep health within EMS education may support better academic outcomes and safer healthcare delivery.