Abstract
Introduction: Sleep plays a vital role in maintaining overall health, supporting processes like restoration, memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and metabolism. However, many people remain unaware of their sleep needs, leading to poor sleep quality and patterns that can negatively impact health, workplace performance, and daily life. Sleep behaviors are shaped by various factors, including cultural practices, urbanization, and lifestyle changes. This study focuses on adults in Karachi, Pakistan, where religious routines and modern living create unique sleep challenges. By exploring these patterns, we aim to identify ways to enhance sleep quality and promote better well-being in this population.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, over one year, with 400 adults aged 18–64 were recruited. Exclusion criteria included conditions affecting sleep, chronic illnesses, and use of sleep aids. Data collection employed a Google Forms-based structured questionnaire covering demographics, religious practices, and sleep habits. Sleep quality and daytime sleepiness were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), respectively. Data analysis, performed in SPSS, included descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing using Chi-squared, Mann–Whitney, and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Sleep patterns were categorized as monophasic, biphasic, or polyphasic using conditional formulas in Excel.
Results: The mean age of participants (n = 384) was 29 ± 0.1 years, with 66.4% women. The most common sleep pattern was monophasic (40.4%), followed by biphasic-siesta (21.6%), biphasic-dawn (20.8%), and polyphasic (17.2%). Women favored segmented sleep patterns (p = 0.019). Biphasic-dawn sleepers reported the least daytime sleepiness (ESS = 7.18 ± 3.85, p = 0.024), while biphasic-siesta sleepers had the poorest sleep quality (PSQI = 6.94 ± 3.01, p = 0.013). Men had better sleep quality (PSQI = 5.22 ± 2.70) and lower daytime sleepiness (ESS = 6.89 ± 3.65) than women (p < 0.001). Weekend sleep disruptions were significant (p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Monophasic sleep dominates, though gender differences suggest women prefer segmented patterns. Biphasic-dawn sleep aligns with better quality and less daytime sleepiness, while biphasic-siesta sleepers experience the poorest outcomes. Men and employed individuals generally report better sleep metrics. Morning prayers improve sleep quality slightly. Students exhibit higher daytime sleepiness and worse sleep quality compared to others.