Factors Associated With Insomnia in Shift-Working Airline Mechanics

Shift workers commonly experience insomnia that is associated with various factors such as sex, employment period, dietary behavior, and quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to examine the prevalence of insomnia among shift-working airline mechanics and identify the factors that influence insomnia.

This cross-sectional, descriptive study aimed to investigate sleep problems, dietary habits, and QoL among 180 airline mechanics and explore the factors that influence sleep problems.

Of the 180 participants, 83 and 97 were included in the insomnia and non-insomnia groups, respectively. The dietary behavior score was lower in the insomnia group (28.56 ± 6.27) than that in the non-insomnia group (31.73 ± 6.11). The insomnia group had lower QoL scores than those in the non-insomnia group. In the logistic regression analysis, factors related to insomnia were 6 to 9 years of shift work experience (OR = 4.108, p = .042) and physical domain and general health of QoL (OR = 0.506, p < .001; OR = 0.763, p = .027).

Shift-working airline mechanics with insomnia exhibited lower dietary behavior scores and lower QoL scores than those without insomnia. Considering that insomnia symptoms in maintenance workers can affect aviation safety, effective management is essential. In particular, the risk of insomnia was higher in those with 6 to 9 years of shift work experience. Therefore, airlines should develop protocols aimed at improving dietary behavior and QoL to manage insomnia symptoms. Additionally, closely monitoring insomnia symptoms is crucial for workers with 6 to 9 years of shift work experience.