AbstractContext: Shift work is known to affect the circadian rhythm causing sleepiness when wakefulness is required. Sleep disturbances and inadequate sleep quality resulting from shift work can contribute to physical and mental health problems in nurses, affecting their overall quality of life.
Aim: To examine the impact of shift work on sleep and quality of life among nurses.
Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted among nursing staff at a tertiary care hospital.
Methods and Materials: Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and WHO Quality of Life Scale were applied on shift work nurses (SWN) and nonshift work nurses (NSWN).
Statistical analysis used: Data was analyzed using Fisher Exact and Chi-Square tests.
Results: Insomnia and poor sleep quality were reported by 71.6% and 73.3% of SWN, respectively. A significant association was observed between severity of insomnia and quality of sleep (p=<0.001), severity of insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness (p=0.007) among SWN. Significantly lower scores on the psychological well-being, social interaction, and environmental satisfaction domains of the WHOQOL-BREF were reported among SWN.
Conclusion: Shift work nurses experienced severe insomnia symptoms, poorer sleep quality, and lower quality of life when compared to non-shift work nurses.
Key messages: Awareness on sleep hygiene can empower SWN to manage challenges. Interventions to mitigate the effects of shift work would contribute to a healthier nursing workforce.
