Sleep Improvement Effect on Sexual Life Quality Among Rotating Female Shift Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effectiveness of sleep interventions for rotating night shift workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Sleep disturbance is a common issue among rotating night shift workers and is closely related to health risks. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological sleep interventions for the management of sleep disturbance among rotating night shift workers.

Methods

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched six electronic databases-EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science-for randomized controlled trials and clinical trials published from January 1990 to June 2022. The quality of eligible studies was independently assessed by three authors using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies. The meta-analysis was performed based on the random effects model using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. The study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Results

Of the 1019 studies retrieved, 30 met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review; 25 were selected for the meta-analysis. Sleep interventions were categorized as follows: pharmacological approach (n = 7), light therapy (n = 9), cognitive behavioral approach (n = 7), aroma or alternative therapy (n = 4), and shift schedule modification (n = 3). The overall mean effect size of the interventions was moderate (Hedges' g = 0.59; 95% confidence interval = 0.33-0.84, z = 4.50, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Sleep interventions were effective in promoting sleep or reducing sleep disturbance among rotating night shift workers. These findings provide evidence of the effectiveness of various pharmacological and non-pharmacological sleep interventions for managing sleep health in the work environment of rotating night shift workers.

A Cross-Sectional, Exploratory Study on the Impact of Night Shift Work on Midwives’ Reproductive and Sexual Health

Background: Shift work is the basis for health care system functioning. The non-standard schedules enforce abrupt changes in the timing of sleep and light-dark exposure. It can contribute to the increased risk of various medical conditions, including reproductive and sexual health issues. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of shift work with night shifts on midwives’ reproductive and sexual health. Methods: This cross-sectional, exploratory study included 520 midwives. A descriptive questionnaire was distributed in person (414) and online (106) from July 2019 to May 2020. We used the Female Sexual Function Index (PL-FSFI) standardized questionnaire and proprietary research tools (applicable to demographic and social data and reproductive health). All statistical calculations were performed with the IBM SPSS 23 statistical package. Results: Shift work affects midwives’ reproductive and sexual health. Midwives working night shifts are more likely to experience reproductive problems and sexual dysfunctions. The most pronounced differences are observed in the experience of infertility and the number of miscarriages. PL-FSFI results clearly showed the adverse impact of working shifts including night shifts on functioning in various dimensions of sexual health. Conclusion: Shift work negatively affects reproductive and sexual health and causes work-life conflict experience. It is necessary to develop procedures that minimize shift rotation and implement work schedules that allow for recuperation or rest and ensure proper family and social life.

COVID-19 epidemic effects on sleep quality among health sector workers: A follow up study

Health care workers (HCWs) were vulnerable to sleep disturbances in normal circumstances. Poor sleep quality (PSQ) is common during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic. The aim of this study is evaluation of sleep quality among healthcare workers during COVID-19 epidemic in a cohort study. In a follow-up study, we assessed sleep quality in 453 Iranian HCW participants in late-April 2021, after approximately 8 weeks of the epidemic of COVID-19. In order to compare the sleep quality in the two time intervals, during and before COVID-19, we used the recorded data of the same group of participants who were enrolled in a study named SHAHWAR (SHAhroud Health care Workers Associated Research) cohort that is focused on the health of HCWs who work at the Shahroud university of medical sciences. Data collection process in the SHAHWAR study started on October 2, 2019 and continued until February 19, 2020. Our results showed sleep quality worsened among shift-workers during COVID-19 outbreak; however, it was improved among non-shift staff. Sleep quality was more likely to be worsening if HCWs had shift-working roles [OR: 1.84(1.11-3.06), and if they experienced death in their families [OR: 5.06(1.60-12.80)]; however, having a paramedical role was a protective effect [OR: 0.52(0.27-092)], for poor quality sleep. Sleep quality worsened during the epidemic among HCWs. A greater impact, in terms of higher PSQI index, in this group of workers was seen in shift working staff.

Associations between tactile intimacy and sleep quality in healthy adults: A systematic review

Prior research suggests that different types of touch can affect sleep, but whether there is a consistent association between tactile intimacy and sleep quality is unclear. Here, we report a pre-registered systematic review (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews [PROSPERO], CRD42020158683) of studies examining the association between tactile intimacy and sleep quality in healthy adults. The databases PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and EMBASE were searched on August 7, 2020. A total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesised qualitatively. Most commonly, articles researched sexual intimacy in relation to sleep quality, but some studies also investigated non-sexual affective touch and emotionally neutral touch. Some evidence for a connection between sexual function, sexual satisfaction and masturbation with sleep quality was found; however, no evidence for an association between sexual frequency or sexual positions and sleep was found. Interestingly, studies employing more subjective approaches were more likely to report an association between touch and sleep, potentially highlighting a discrepancy between self-reported and the objectively measurable association between touch and sleep.

Individual Circadian Preference, Shift Work, and Risk of Medication Errors: A Cross-Sectional Web Survey among Italian Midwives

Background: In order to explore the possible association between chronotype and risk of medication errors and chronotype in Italian midwives, we conducted a web-based survey. The questionnaire comprised three main components: (1) demographic information, previous working experience, actual working schedule; (2) individual chronotype, either calculated by Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ); (3) self-perception of risk of medication error. Results: Midwives (n = 401) responded “yes, at least once” to the question dealing with self-perception of risk of medication error in 48.1% of cases. Cluster analysis showed that perception of risk of medication errors was associated with class of age 31–35 years, shift work schedule, working experience 6–10 years, and Intermediate-type MEQ score. Conclusions: Perception of the risk of medication errors is present in near one out of two midwives in Italy. In particular, younger midwives with lower working experience, engaged in shift work, and belonging to an Intermediate chronotype, seem to be at higher risk of potential medication error. Since early morning hours seem to represent highest risk frame for female healthcare workers, shift work is not always aligned with individual circadian preference. Assessment of chronotype could represent a method to identify healthcare personnel at higher risk of circadian disruption.