Shift work sleep disorder and job stress in shift nurses: implications for preventive interventions

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Sleep Medicine
• Nursing Research

Background:

• Shift work is linked to sleep-wake cycle disturbances, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness in nurses.
• Shift work sleep disorders correlate with distress, accidents, and reduced healthcare quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gender differences in shift work sleep disorders and job stress among nurses.
• To explore the role of social support in mitigating these issues.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study adhering to STROBE guidelines.
• Utilized the Job Content Questionnaire, Bergen Insomnia Scale, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale.
• Study population: registered nurses in General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine.

Main Results:

• No significant association between high job strain and insomnia/daytime sleepiness.
• Women reported higher rates of job strain, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness than men.
• Among women, social support was negatively associated with insomnia and daytime sleepiness.

Conclusions:

• Interventions for shift work sleep disorder and job stress should assess social support across genders.
• Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of social support interventions for shift nurses.