Exogenous Melatonin Use in University Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Study Site and Design
2.2. Sample Size
2.3. Questionnaire Development
2.4. Recruitment
2.5. Analysis
3. Results
3.1. Demographics of the Students
3.2. Duration and Recommendation of Melatonin Use by Students
3.3. Adverse Effects and Their Intensities Reported by Students
3.4. Factors Associated with the Use of Exogenous Melatonin
4. Discussion
5. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
References
- Bibek, K.; Abdulghani, S.; Geethika, T. Sleep Disorder; StatPearls Publishing: Boston, MA, USA, 2020. Available online: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560720/ (accessed on 21 July 2023).
- Pilcher, J.J.; Ott, E.S. The Relationships Between Sleep and Measures of Health and Weil-Being in College Students: A Repeated Measures Approach. Behav. Med. 1998, 23, 170–178. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Harrison, Y.; Horne, J.A. One Night of Sleep Loss Impairs Innovative Thinking and Flexible Decision Making. Organ. Behav. Hum. Decis. Process. 1999, 78, 128–145. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Mohammed, A.; Siraj Wali, R.M. Sleep quantity, quality, and insomnia symptoms of medical students during clinical years. Saudi Med. J. 2016, 37, 173–182. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Abdelmoaty Goweda, R.; Hassan-Hussein, A.; Ali Alqahtani, M.; Janaini, M.M.; Alzahrani, A.H.; Sindy, B.M.; Alharbi, M.M.; Kalantan, S.A. Prevalence of sleep disorders among medical students of Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. J. Public Health Res. 2021, 9 (Suppl. S1), jphr-2020. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ali, R.M.; Zolezzi, M.; Awaisu, A.; Eltorki, Y. Sleep Quality and Sleep Hygiene Behaviours Among University Students in Qatar. Int. J. Gen. Med. 2023, 16, 2427–2439. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- World Health Organization. Guidelines for the Regulatory Assessment of Medicinal Products for Use in Self-Medication. 2020. Available online: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/66154 (accessed on 21 July 2023).
- Alasmari, M.M.; Alkanani, R.S.; Alshareef, A.S.; Alsulmi, S.S.; Althegfi, R.I.; Bokhari, T.A.; Alsheikh, M.Y.; Alshaeri, H.K. Medical students’ attitudes toward sleeping pill usage: A cross-sectional study. Front. Psychiatry 2022, 13, 1007141. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Orayj, K.; Alshahrani, S.M.; Alqahtani, A.M.; Alasmari, N.; Atef, A.A.A.; Jrais, H.S.; Muslot, D. The Use of Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medications by University Students During Examinations in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Risk Manag. Healthc Policy 2021, 14, 2675–2682. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Arendt, J.; Deacon, S. Treatment of Circadian Rhythm Disorders–Melatonin. Chronobiol. Int. 1997, 14, 185–204. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Hughes, R.J.; Sack, R.L.; Lewy, A.J. The role of melatonin and circadian phase in age-related sleep-maintenance insomnia: Assessment in a clinical trial of melatonin replacement. Sleep 1998, 21, 52–68. [Google Scholar] [PubMed]
- Guardiola-Lemaitre, B. Toxicology of Melatonin. J. Biol. Rhythm. 1997, 12, 697–706. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Poza, J.J.; Pujol, M.; Ortega-Albás, J.J.; Romero, O. Melatonin in sleep disorders. Neurologia 2022, 37, 575–585. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Moon, E.; Kim, K.; Partonen, T.; Linnaranta, O. Role of Melatonin in the Management of Sleep and Circadian Disorders in the Context of Psychiatric Illness. Curr. Psychiatry Rep. 2022, 24, 623–634. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Canada G of. Summary Safety Review—MELATONIN (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine)—Review of the Safety of Melatonin in Children and Adolescents. 2015. Available online: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada/safety-reviews/summary-safety-review-melatonin-acetyl-methoxytryptamine-review-safety-melatonin-children-adolescents.html (accessed on 21 July 2023).
- Fatemeh, G.; Sajjad, M.; Niloufar, R.; Neda, S.; Leila, S.; Khadijeh, M. Effect of melatonin supplementation on sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J. Neurol. 2022, 269, 205–216. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Alizadeh Feremi, K.; Alipoor, L.; Esmaeili, R. Effect of Melatonin on the Sleep Quality: A Systematic Review. Rev. Clin. Med. 2021, 8, 60. [Google Scholar]
- Cruz-Sanabria, F.; Carmassi, C.; Bruno, S.; Bazzani, A.; Carli, M.; Scarselli, M.; Faraguna, U. Melatonin as a Chronobiotic with Sleep-promoting Properties. Curr. Neuropharmacol. 2023, 21, 951–987. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Foley, H.M.; Steel, A.E. Adverse events associated with oral administration of melatonin: A critical systematic review of clinical evidence. Complement Ther. Med. 2019, 42, 65–81. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ng, J.Y.; Dhawan, T.; Dogadova, E.; Taghi-Zada, Z.; Vacca, A.; Wieland, L.S.; Moher, D. Operational definition of complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine derived from a systematic search. BMC Complement Med. Ther. 2022, 22, 104. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Cochrane Complementary Medicine. Broad Operational Definition of Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine: List of Therapies. Available online: https://cam.cochrane.org/broad-operational-definition-complementary-alternative-and-integrative-medicine-list-therapies (accessed on 21 July 2023).
- Saudi Food & Drug Authority. Guidance for Borderline Products Classification. Available online: https://www.sfda.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2021-11/GuidanceBorderlineProductsClassificationE.pdf (accessed on 21 July 2023).
- Vats, M.G.; Mahboub, B.H.; Al Hariri, H.; Al Zaabi, A.; Vats, D. Obesity and Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders in Middle East and UAE. Can. Respir. J. 2016, 2016, 1–5. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Borges, L.; Gennari-Felipe, M.; Dias, B.B.; Hatanaka, E. Melatonin, Zinc, and Vitamin C: Potential Adjuvant Treatment for COVID-19 Patients. Front. Nutr. 2022, 8, 821824. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- El-Missiry, M.A.; El-Missiry, Z.M.A.; Othman, A.I. Melatonin is a potential adjuvant to improve clinical outcomes in individuals with obesity and diabetes with coexistence of COVID-19. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 2020, 882, 173329. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Delpino, F.M.; Figueiredo, L.M.; Nunes, B.P. Effects of melatonin supplementation on diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Clin. Nutr. 2021, 40, 4595–4605. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Hansen, M.V.; Halladin, N.L.; Rosenberg, J.; Gögenur, I.; Møller, A.M. Melatonin for Pre- and Postoperative Anxiety in Adults. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 2015. Available online: https://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/14651858.CD009861.pub2 (accessed on 21 July 2023).
- Meng, Y.; Tao, Z.; Zhou, S.; Da, W.; Tao, L. Research Hot Spots and Trends on Melatonin From 2000 to 2019. Front. Endocrinol. 2021, 12, 753923. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Jeddah Municipality. Universities and Colleges Directory. Available online: https://www.jeddah.gov.sa/english/Directories/SubCategories/Details/index.php?id=14 (accessed on 6 December 2023).
- Equator Network. Reporting Guidelines for Main Study Types. Available online: https://www.equator-network.org/ (accessed on 21 July 2023).
- Krishnan, V.; Collop, N.A. Gender differences in sleep disorders. Curr. Opin. Pulm. Med. 2006, 12, 383–389. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Alshahrani, S.M.; Shaik Alavudeen, S.; Alakhali, K.M.; Al-Worafi, Y.M.; Bahamdan, A.K.; Vigneshwaran, E. Self-Medication Among King Khalid University Students, Saudi Arabia. Risk Manag. Healthc Policy 2019, 12, 243–249. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Al-Sayed, A.A.; Al-Rashoudi, A.H.; Al-Eisa, A.A.; Addar, A.M.; Al-Hargan, A.H.; Al-Jerian, A.A.; Al-Omair, A.A.; Al-Sheddi, A.I.; Al-Nowaiser, H.I.; Al-Kathiri, O.A.; et al. Sedative Drug Use among King Saud University Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Sampling Study. Depress. Res. Treat. 2014, 2014, 1–7. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Silva, J.; Vieira, P.; Gomes, A.A.; Roth, T.; de Azevedo, M.H.P.; Marques, D.R. Sleep difficulties and use of prescription and non-prescription sleep aids in Portuguese higher education students. Sleep Epidemiol. 2021, 1, 100012. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Zhdanova, I.V.; Wurtman, R.J.; Morabito, C.; Piotrovska, V.R.; Lynch, H.J. Effects of Low Oral Doses of Melatonin, Given 2–4 Hours Before Habitual Bedtime, On Sleep in Normal Young Humans. Sleep 1996, 19, 423–431. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Paryab, N.; Taheri, M.; H’Mida, C.; Irandoust, K.; Mirmoezzi, M.; Trabelsi, K.; Ammar, A.; Chtourou, H. Melatonin supplementation improves psychomotor and physical performance in collegiate student-athletes following a sleep deprivation night. Chronobiol. Int. 2021, 38, 753–761. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Besag, F.M.C.; Vasey, M.J.; Lao, K.S.J.; Wong, I.C.K. Adverse Events Associated with Melatonin for the Treatment of Primary or Secondary Sleep Disorders: A Systematic Review. CNS Drugs 2019, 33, 1167–1186. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Khalifeh, M.M.; Moore, N.D.; Salameh, P.R. Self-medication misuse in the Middle East: A systematic literature review. Pharmacol. Res. Perspect. 2017, 5, e00323. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Menczel Schrire, Z.; Phillips, C.L.; Chapman, J.L.; Duffy, S.L.; Wong, G.; D’Rozario, A.L.; Comas, M.; Raisin, I.; Saini, B.; Gordon, C.J.; et al. Safety of higher doses of melatonin in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J. Pineal Res. 2022, 72, e12782. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Tobaiqy, M.; AlZahrani, F.A.; Hassan, A.S.; Alirbidi, A.H.; Alraddadi, O.A.; AlSadah, O.A.; Yamani, M.B.; Alqutub, S.T. Community Pharmacists’ Knowledge, Attitudes and the Perceived Safety and Effectiveness of Melatonin Supplements: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Pharmacy 2023, 11, 147. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Saudi FDA Products Classification Guidance. Available online: https://sfda.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2022-10/E-6.1.pdf (accessed on 21 July 2023).
- Yi, H.; Shin, K.; Shin, C. Development of the Sleep Quality Scale. J. Sleep Res. 2006, 15, 309–316. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Low, T.L.; Choo, F.N.; Tan, S.M. The efficacy of melatonin and melatonin agonists in insomnia—An umbrella review. J. Psychiatr. Res. 2020, 121, 10–23. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Wurtman, R.U. Physiology and availability preparations of melatonin. 2018. Available online: http://teksmedik.com/uptodate20/d/topic.htm?path=physiology-and-available-preparations-of-melatonin#H722735623 (accessed on 17 August 2023).
- Seyffert, M.; Lagisetty, P.; Landgraf, J.; Chopra, V.; Pfeiffer, P.N.; Conte, M.L.; Rogers, M.A. Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Treat Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS ONE 2016, 11, e0149139. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Variable | Frequency (%) |
---|---|
Sex | Male 245 (64.5) Female 135 (35.5) |
Nationality | Saudi 359 (94.5) Non-Saudi 21 (5.5) |
Marital status | Married 4 (1.1) Unmarried 376 (98.9) |
Working status | Part-time worker 38 (10) Not working 342 (90) |
Undergraduate specialty | Health and/or medical school 172 (45.3) Non-health school 208 (54.7) |
Name of the university | University of Jeddah (UOJ) 146 (38.4) King Abdulaziz university (KAAU) 86 (22.6) Umm AlQura 56 (14.7) King Saud National Guard 23 (6.1) Private 56 (14.7) Other governmental university 13 (3.4) |
Reported regular daily exogenous melatonin use in the management of sleep disorders | Yes 196 (51.6) No 184 (48.4) |
Reported daily hypnotic and/or sedative use in the management of sleep disorders | Yes 68 (17.9) No 312 (82.1) |
Patter of use among daily users (timing) | As needed 138 (66.3%) Once per day 42 (21.6%) Twice per day 23 (11.1%) Three times per day 2 (1%) |
Item | Strongly Agree | Agree | Neutral | Disagree | Strongly Disagree |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
(1) I use melatonin during exam period | 25 (12%) | 105 (50.5%) | 16 (7.7%) | 43 (20.7%) | 19 (9.1%) |
(2) I use melatonin after exams | 25 (12.1%) | 125 (60.7%) | 22 (9.7%) | 24 (11.7%) | 12 (5.8%) |
(3) Melatonin has improved my sleep quality | 54 (26%) | 116 (55.8%) | 24 (11.5%) | 8 (3.8%) | 6 (2.9%) |
(4) Melatonin is safe to use | 50 (24%) | 107 (51.4%) | 37 (17.8%) | 11 (5.3%) | 3 (1.4%) |
(5) Have you ever misused melatonin | 3 (1.4%) | 48 (23.1%) | 52 (25%) | 52 (25%) | 53 (25.5%) |
(6) I would recommend melatonin to other university students who have sleeping difficulties | 49 (23.6%) | 98 (47.1%) | 48 (23.1%) | 7 (3.4%) | 6 (2.9%) |
(7) I rely on melatonin to sleep | 18 (8.7%) | 58 (27.9%) | 24 (11.5%) | 62 (29.8%) | 46 (22.1%) |
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content. |
© 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Share and Cite
Alqutub, S.T.; Alzahrani, F.A.; Hassan, A.S.; Alirbidi, A.H.; Alraddadi, O.A.; AlSadah, O.A.; Yamani, M.B.; Tobaiqy, M. Exogenous Melatonin Use in University Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Pharmacy 2024, 12, 41. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy12020041
Alqutub ST, Alzahrani FA, Hassan AS, Alirbidi AH, Alraddadi OA, AlSadah OA, Yamani MB, Tobaiqy M. Exogenous Melatonin Use in University Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Pharmacy. 2024; 12(2):41. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy12020041
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlqutub, Sulafa T., Faris A. Alzahrani, Abdulrahman S. Hassan, Abdullah H. Alirbidi, Osama A. Alraddadi, Omar A. AlSadah, Mohammad B. Yamani, and Mansour Tobaiqy. 2024. "Exogenous Melatonin Use in University Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey" Pharmacy 12, no. 2: 41. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy12020041
APA StyleAlqutub, S. T., Alzahrani, F. A., Hassan, A. S., Alirbidi, A. H., Alraddadi, O. A., AlSadah, O. A., Yamani, M. B., & Tobaiqy, M. (2024). Exogenous Melatonin Use in University Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Pharmacy, 12(2), 41. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy12020041