The Influence of Diet, Water Intake, Exercise, Education Level, and Income on the Quality of Sleep in the Saudi Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Sleep quality is known to affect and be affected by multiple factors in one’s life through physiological and psychological manners. The study aimed to assess the influence of diet, water intake, exercise, level of education, and income on the quality of sleep of the Saudi population. Materials and methods: The study was a cross-sectional design that used a validated standardized fact-based questionnaire developed based on the Insomnia Severity Index. The data collection continued for three months, during which subjects were approached and interviewed in many locations, ensuring the Saudi population's best representation. Results: The study included 496 subjects, of whom 74% were men. Most of the participants (51.4%) were aged between 18 and 25 years old and were unmarried (64.2%). The education level of participants was between high school and bachelor's level (45-43%), respectively. Around 53% believed that they were following an unhealthy diet, although 42% of the total had a normal BMI. About 44% of participants consumed about 1-2 L of water daily, and 42% never exercised. The majority (39%) earned an income of >5000 Saudi Riyals. Forty-two percent of the participants reported subthreshold insomnia. The data analysis showed that social status and diet were significantly related to sleeping quality (P = 0.051, P = 0.027). Additionally, the level of education was found to be an important confounding factor. Conclusion: Diet and social status were significantly related to insomnia, and educational level served as a significant confounding factor. Neither water intake, exercise, BMI category, age, nor gender were associated with insomnia.