Sleep and Brain Health: Knowledge, Beliefs, and Habits in the General Population

Volume 16 , Issue 1 , July 2026

Authors

Dina Tariq Abdalghafoor 1 ; Dlnya Asad Shkur 2 ; Nza Burhan Ahmed 1 ; Gasha Abdullah Mohammed 1 ; Sana Majid Mohammed 1 ; Firdaus Nuri Ahmed 3 ; Mohammad Ibrahim Mohialdeen Gubari 4

1 Department of Pharmacy, Kurdistan Technical Institute, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan region/Iraq.

2 Department of Nursing, Kurdistan Technical Institute, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan region/Iraq.

3 Branch of Basic Science, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, KRG/Iraq

4 Branch of Clinical Medical Science, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.

DOI logo 10.17656/jsmc.10520

Keywords

Abstract

Background: Sleep is important for memory, learning, mood, and long-term brain health, but can be overlooked. There are limited studies in the area that address public awareness and attitude about sleep

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate knowledge, beliefs, and self-reported practices of sleep and brain health in adults from Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, and examine associations between these domains.

Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 458 adults between the ages of 18 and 60. Participants filled out a validated survey about their beliefs surrounding sleep and brain health, personal sleep patterns, and where they get their information. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted to determine patterns and demographic associations

Results: over 95% of participants were aware that sleep is important for memory, mood stability, and long-term brain health. Almost all of the participants recognized sleep to be just as important for good health as diet and exercise. But only 37 percent had a regular bedtime and woke at the same time daily, and two-thirds used screens in the hour before bed. One in five said they woke up refreshed. Sex was associated with regular sleep timing, and social media (31%) was the most frequent source of information 

Conclusion: The residents of Sulaymaniyah recognize the importance of sleep for brain health, but face difficulties putting this knowledge into practice. Public health interventions must provide culturally sensitive methods by which healthy sleep patterns can be better integrated in day-to-day living and which increase their potential for adherence.

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