Prevalence of Insomnia in the General Population in Pakistan: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- 1Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization, Green International University, Bhubtain chowk, Bhobtian, Lahore, 55150, Pakistan. [email protected].
- 2Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization, Green International University, Bhubtain chowk, Bhobtian, Lahore, 55150, Pakistan.
- 3Head of Department, Department of Radiography and Medical Imaging Technology & Deputy Director, Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization, Green International University, Lahore, Pakistan.
Abstract
Background
Insomnia is a frequent disorder of sleep that is linked to dysfunction and decreased quality of life. However, the burden of this condition at the population level is not known in Pakistan. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of insomnia in Pakistan.Methods
The databases that were searched were PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library, in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, with the included range in publications from 2018 to 2025. Insomnia prevalence studies in Pakistani population was included. Data were extracted systematically, quality was evaluated according to the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist and pooled prevalence was computed applying a random-effects model with Freeman-Tukey transformation.Results
A total of fifteen cross sectional studies with 7287 individuals were included. Insomnia prevalence ranged from 17.2% to 72.0%, with a pooled prevalence of 51% (95% CI: 44-58%). There was significant heterogeneity (I² = 97%, p < 0.001), which may have resulted from different populations, different regions, different sampling and assessment techniques. A higher prevalence was noted among young adults (18-29 years, 55%) and studies conducted with the use of the Insomnia Severity Index (54%). Common factors associated with psychological stress were anxiety, depression, excessive internet usage, social media usage, and irregular sleep patterns.Conclusion
Insomnia is a major public health problem in Pakistan especially in the younger age groups. Enhancement of screening, awareness and evidence-based interventions are required. National representative studies with standard diagnostic criteria are recommended in the future.
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BibTeX
@article{moazzam2026prevalence,
title = {{Prevalence of Insomnia in the General Population in Pakistan: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.}},
author = {Muhammad Moazzam and Yasmeen Niazi and Syed Muhammad Yousaf Farooq and Saima Bilal and Muhammad Farrukh Asif and Shehzad Yousaf},
journal = {Journal of epidemiology and global health},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1007/s44197-026-00622-y},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42972157},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Prevalence of Insomnia in the General Population in Pakistan: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AU - Muhammad Moazzam
AU - Yasmeen Niazi
AU - Syed Muhammad Yousaf Farooq
AU - Saima Bilal
AU - Muhammad Farrukh Asif
AU - Shehzad Yousaf
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/31
JO - Journal of epidemiology and global health
DO - 10.1007/s44197-026-00622-y
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42972157
AB - Background Insomnia is a frequent disorder of sleep that is linked to dysfunction and decreased quality of life. However, the burden of this condition at the population level is not known in Pakistan. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of insomnia in Pakistan.Methods The databases that were searched were PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library, in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, with the included range in publications from 2018 to 2025. Insomnia prevalence studies in Pakistani population was included. Data were extracted systematically, quality was evaluated according to the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist and pooled prevalence was computed applying a random-effects model with Freeman-Tukey transformation.Results A total of fifteen cross sectional studies with 7287 individuals were included. Insomnia prevalence ranged from 17.2% to 72.0%, with a pooled prevalence of 51% (95% CI: 44-58%). There was significant heterogeneity (I² = 97%, p < 0.001), which may have resulted from different populations, different regions, different sampling and assessment techniques. A higher prevalence was noted among young adults (18-29 years, 55%) and studies conducted with the use of the Insomnia Severity Index (54%). Common factors associated with psychological stress were anxiety, depression, excessive internet usage, social media usage, and irregular sleep patterns.Conclusion Insomnia is a major public health problem in Pakistan especially in the younger age groups. Enhancement of screening, awareness and evidence-based interventions are required. National representative studies with standard diagnostic criteria are recommended in the future.
SN - 2210-6006
SN - 2210-6014
ER -