Sleep-related disorders and sleep quality among adults living in Parakou, a sub-Saharan African city

To determine the prevalence of sleep-related disorders, poor sleeping, and factors associated with poor sleep quality among inhabitants of Parakou, Benin.

This was a cross-sectional study conducted from April–August 2018 on 930 randomly selected adults (age ≥ 18 years). Using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, the Insomnia Severity Index, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, subjects were questioned on their sleep, on parasomnias, and on movement-related sleep disorders.

Overall, the prevalence of insomnia was 22% (95% CI, 19.1–24.4) and severe insomnia was 0.8%. The prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness was 15% (95% CI, 12.5–17.0). Daily nightmares (2%) and rhythmic movements (6%) were those most commonly reported among parasomnias and movement-related sleep disorders. No major differences were found between men and women. The prevalence of poor sleeping (PSQI > 5) was 39% (95%CI, 36.3–42.5). Adjusted analyses showed a higher risk of poor sleeping in those aged 45–54 years (aOR = 1.78, p = 0.032) or ≥ 55 years (aOR = 3.61, p < 0.001), those overweight or obese (aOR = 1.53, p = 0.007), those underweight (aOR = 2.90, p = 0.030), and among females (aOR = 1.84, p < 0.001). Being divorced was associated with a lower risk of poor sleeping (aOR = 0.18, p = 0.036). Poor sleepers were more commonly found among those who had excessive daytime sleepiness (65% versus 36%, p < 0.001) and insomnia (86% versus 27%, p < 0.001).

Sleep-related disorders were common in Parakou city, Benin, with four out of ten persons having poor sleep quality. There is a need to improve the management of sleep-related disorders and promote better sleep practices for the community.