Sleep Quality and Vigilance Differ Among Inpatient Nurses Based on the Unit Setting and Shift Worked

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Sleep Medicine
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Sleepiness in nurses is a known factor affecting patient care and safety.
• Understanding the prevalence and contributing factors of sleep disturbances in nurses is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure sleep quality, sleepiness, fatigue, and vigilance in inpatient nurses.
• To assess the impact of work setting (ICU vs. general floor) and shift (day vs. night) on these measures.

Main Methods:

• Nurses from ICU and floor units completed validated questionnaires (PSQI, ESS, FSS).
• Vigilance was assessed using the psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) pre- and post-shift.
• Data were analyzed to compare outcomes based on unit type and shift.

Main Results:

• High rates of abnormal sleep quality (63%), fatigue (33%), and sleepiness (22%) were observed.
• Night shift nurses reported higher fatigue and sleep medication use.
• Day shift nurses generally exhibited faster reaction times on the PVT, though floor nurses showed a post-shift decline.

Conclusions:

• A significant portion of inpatient nurses experience impaired sleep, sleepiness, and fatigue, posing risks to patient safety.
• These issues are more pronounced in night shift nurses.
• Work setting and shift patterns influence nurse performance and well-being.