Arabic versions of the sleep timing questionnaire and the composite scale of morningness

• Most studies of circadian behavior/sleep are conducted in English.
• We report developed Arabic versions of CSM and STQ to be used in the Middle East.
• We also report basic estimates of siesta nap patterns in an urban Egyptian setting.

ObjectivesTo develop Arabic versions of English language questionnaires to estimate morningness/eveningness and sleep variables.MethodsWe translated the Composite scale of morningness (CSM) and the sleep timing questionnaire (STQ) [with added siesta questions] into Arabic; the Arabic versions were then back translated. The revised Arabic and the original English versions were next administered to bi-lingual Egyptians using a crossover design (n = 25). The Arabic versions of both scales were subsequently administered to an independent Egyptian sample (n = 79) and the siesta variables examined in relation to the CSM.ResultsSatisfactory correlations were present between the English and Arabic versions for total CSM scores (Spearman's ρ = 0.90, p < 0.001). All but one of the STQ variables were significantly correlated (Spearman's ρ = 0.45–0.88, p ≤ 0.05). In the Arabic version, the frequency of siesta naps per week was significantly correlated with the total CSM score, with evening types taking more naps (Spearman's ρ = −0.23, p ≤ 0.05).ConclusionsArabic versions of the STQ and CSM have been developed in Egypt, and are freely available. They can be used for behavioral research related to sleep and circadian function and can be adapted for use in other Arab speaking populations.