[Sleep disorders in nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic]

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Psychiatry
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated significant reorganization of healthcare facilities globally.
• Altered working conditions for health workers (HW) have been linked to increased psychological distress, including insomnia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the impact of pandemic-related changes on health workers' insomnia.
• To identify vulnerable groups, such as nurses, and factors contributing to insomnia.
• To review prevention and treatment methods for insomnia in this population.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on health worker well-being during the pandemic.
• Analysis of factors contributing to insomnia, including shift work and stress.
• Examination of epidemiological data on insomnia prevalence among health workers.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in insomnia among health workers was observed during the pandemic.
• Nurses, particularly female nurses in understaffed environments, were identified as a highly vulnerable group.
• Shift work and high-stress conditions were strongly associated with increased insomnia risk.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated insomnia among health workers.
• Targeted interventions are needed to support vulnerable groups like nurses.
• Addressing shift work and stress is crucial for preventing and treating insomnia in healthcare settings.