Epidemiology of Insomnia in Malaysian Adults: A Community-Based Survey in 4 Urban Areas

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of insomnia in a Malaysian population aged 30 to 70 years. The sample consisted of 1611 subjects, recruited by stratified random sampling and interviewed using a semistructured questionnaire conducted in 2004. This was a community-based survey in 4 Malaysian states. The prevalence of insomnia symptom was 33.8%, and 12.2% of the subjects had chronic insomnia. Insomnia was more common among elderly; those who were separated, divorced, or widowed; and those who smoked at bedtime. Subjects with insomnia had a higher prevalence of feeling depressed (12.7), loss of concentration (19.1%), exhaustion (17.2%), poor memory (9.2%), decreased work productivity (6.4%), and perceived poor health status (40.9%; all, P < .05). A total of 22.2% of those with insomnia had excessive daytime sleepiness based on their Epworth Sleepiness Score (P = <.001). Those with insomnia used more sedatives (9.9%) compared with those without insomnia (2.6%; P < .001). About one-third of the population had insomnia associated with impaired daily function. This study concluded that insomnia is common in Malaysian adult population, and it has significant impact on psychological well being and daily functioning.