Impact of night work on workers' sleep, mood and quality of life

BackgroundNight work may be imposed in several work sectors, or chosen by companies because of its economic advantages. However, it may have negative effects on employees' health.ObjectiveTo assess the repercussions of night work on sleep, mood and quality of life of employees concerned by night work.MethodsCross-sectional and descriptive study conducted in 2023 among night workers in two companies. Sleep disorders, mood disorders and quality of life were assessed by the Spiegel questionnaires, the HAD scale and the SF-12 questionnaire.ResultsA total of 199-night workers were included. Mean age was 36.1 ± 8 years. The median Spiegel score was 20 (IQR: 19-21). Sleep quality was pathological in 4.5% and disturbed in 93.5% of cases. The median HAD score was 16 (IQR: 13-20). Anxiety and depression were present in 10.6% and 32.2% of cases, respectively. The median SF-12 global score was 39 (IQR: 37-41). The overall quality of life was slightly impaired in 43.7% and, moderately impaired in 56.3% of cases. A positive correlation was found between quality of life and sleep quality (r: 0.164; p < 10^-3). A negative correlation was found between quality of life and mood disorders (r: 0.164; p < 10^-3) and also between sleep quality and mood disorders (r: 0.058; p = 0.001).ConclusionsOur study highlighted the harmful effects of night work on employees' sleep quality, mood and quality of life. The mission of the occupational physician is to ensure better adaptation to night work, through an analysis of working conditions and an implementation of protective measures.