A prospective cohort study on the relationship between changing occupational roles, shift work and sleep disorders

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Sleep Medicine
• Sociology

Background:

• Occupational roles are recognized risk factors for sleep disorders.
• Limited research exists on the combined impact of evolving job roles and shift work on sleep disturbances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between alterations in occupational roles, engagement in shift work, and the prevalence of sleep disorders.
• To assess the interaction effect of changing occupational roles and shift work on sleep disorder risk.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study conducted from January 2013 to January 2020, involving 719 participants.
• Stratified cluster sampling was employed for participant selection.
• Occupational roles were assessed using the Occupational Role Questionnaire, and sleep disorders were evaluated with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

Main Results:

• The incidence of sleep disorders was 31.57% (227 participants).
• Factors like Role Overload, Role Boundary, Responsibility, and Physical Environment were associated with increased sleep disorder risk.
• Elevated occupational roles (RR: 2.293) and shift work (RR: 2.784) independently increased sleep disorder risk.
• A significant synergistic effect was observed between changing occupational roles and shift work (RR: 6.455).

Conclusions:

• Both escalating occupational roles and shift work contribute to a higher risk of sleep disorders.
• The interaction between changing occupational roles and shift work presents a synergistic risk, underscoring the need for targeted preventive strategies.
• Adjusting shift work patterns and implementing measures to manage occupational role transitions are crucial for reducing sleep disorders.