Sleep-Related Problems in Night Shift Nurses: Towards an Individualized Interventional Practice

The relationship between night shift work, sleep patterns, psychological well-being, and mental health among Jordanian healthcare workers

This study examines the associations between working night shifts and various outcomes, including sleep patterns, healthcare workers' sleep quality, and physical, mental, and social well-being. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, where the findings revealed that night shift healthcare workers experienced poor sleep quality and pattern. In addition, night shift healthcare workers were more likely to express their intent to leave, the impact of work on their social lives, and a low level of job satisfaction. Healthcare workers showed moderate anxiety and mild depression levels. Lower job satisfaction correlated with higher anxiety and depression levels among healthcare workers, while the negative impact of working hours on social life was associated with increased anxiety and depression. Organizations should consider establishing comprehensive wellness initiatives covering work-life balance, stress management strategies, and mental health resources.

Relationship between shift type and sleep quality in rotating-shift nurses with chronotype as a moderator variable

BACKGROUND

Rotating-shift nurses are susceptible to sleep disorders due to numerous factors, such as their biological clock, emotions, and age. At present, a lack of research exists on whether chronotype and shift type jointly influence the sleep quality of nurses.

AIM

To verify whether chronotype is a moderator variable of the relationship between shift type and sleep quality in nurses in order to provide empirical evidence for future mental and physical health improvement.

METHOD

Clinical rotating-shift nurses at a medical center in northern Taiwan were recruited as participants between November 1, 2023, and December 13, 2023. All of the nurses were working a monthly rotating shift schedule. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was employed to investigate whether the influence of shift type on sleep quality in nurses varied with chronotype. The STROBE checklist was used for reporting this study.

RESULTS

The participants were 255 rotating-shift nurses in this study. Hierarchical multiple regression results revealed that rotating-shift nurses who were older (B = 0.19, p = 0.029), had greater physical fatigue (B = 0.27, p = 0.016), and had more negative emotions (B = 0.17, p = 0.011) suffered from poorer sleep quality. After controlling the above factors, we further found that chronotype indeed had moderating effects on the influence of shift type on sleep quality (B = -1.83, p = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that early- and intermediate-type nurses are more suitable for working the day and evening shifts, whereas late-type nurses are more suitable for working the night shift.

IMPLICATION FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY

Coordinating chronotype with shift type will ensure that shift schedules better match the biological clocks of nurses; such individual considerations could help to improve their sleep quality.

Latent class analysis of the sleep quality of night shift nurses and impact of shift-related factors on the occupational stress and anxiety

AIMS

The objective of this study is to explore the various latent categories within the sleep quality of night shift nurses and to investigate whether shift-related factors predispose nurses to higher levels of occupational stress and anxiety.

DESIGN

This is a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

From November to December 2020, registered nurses from 18 tertiary hospitals and 16 secondary hospitals in Chongqing were selected through convenience sampling for this study. Latent class analysis was used to investigate the sleep quality of nurses working night shifts. Furthermore, univariate analysis and logistic multivariate analysis were utilized to identify the contributing factors to occupational stress and anxiety.

RESULTS

The four latent categories of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for night shift nurses were identified as 'Low Sleep Disorder Group' (56.34%), 'Moderate Sleep Disorder Group' (37.27%), 'High Sleep Disorder Non-Reliant on Sleeping medication Group' (4.89%) and 'High Sleep Disorder Reliant on Sleeping medication Group' (1.50%). The results showed that having a night-shift frequency of 3-4 times per month, night-shift durations of 9-12 h, sleep time delay after night shift (≥2 h), total sleep time after night shift less than 4 h were shift-related factors that increased the levels of occupational stress and anxiety.

CONCLUSION

The sleep quality of night shift nurses demonstrates heterogeneity and can be classified into four latent categories. Higher frequency of night shifts, extended work hours and insufficient rest time are all associated with increased levels of occupational stress and anxiety.

IMPACT

By identifying the four latent categories of sleep quality among night shift nurses, this study sheds light on the relationship between sleep patterns and levels of occupational stress and anxiety. These findings have important implications for healthcare institutions in the management of nurse well-being and work schedules.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No patient or public contribution.

Long-term night-shift work is associated with accelerates brain aging and worsens N3 sleep in female nurses

BACKGROUND

Shift work disrupts circadian rhythms and alters sleep patterns, resulting in various health problems. To quantitatively assess the impact of shift work on brain health, we evaluated the brain age index (BAI) derived from sleep electroencephalography (EEG) results in night-shift workers and compared it with that in daytime workers.

METHODS

We studied 45 female night shift nurses (mean age: 28.2 ± 3.3 years) and 44 female daytime workers (30.5 ± 4.7 years). Sleep EEG data were analyzed to calculate BAI. The BAI of night shift workers who were asleep during the daytime with those of daytime workers who were asleep at night were statistically compared to explore associations between BAI, duration of shift work, and sleep quality.

RESULTS

Night-shift workers exhibited significantly higher BAI (2.14 ± 6.04 vs. 0 ± 5.35), suggesting accelerated brain aging and altered sleep architecture, including reduced delta and sigma wave frequency activity during non-rapid eye movement sleep than daytime workers. Furthermore, poor deep sleep quality, indicated by a higher percentage of N1, lower percentage of N3, and higher arousal index, was associated with increased BAI among shift workers. Additionally, a longer duration of night-shift work was correlated with increased BAI, particularly in older shift workers.

CONCLUSION

Night-shift work, especially over extended periods, may be associated with accelerated brain aging, as indicated by higher BAI and alterations in sleep architecture. Interventions are necessary to mitigate the health impacts of shift work. Further research on the long-term effects and potential strategies for sleep improvement and mitigating brain aging in shift workers is warranted.

Correlations between empathy fatigue, occupational identity, and sleep quality in nursing staff: a cross-sectional study

Objective

To investigate the status quo of empathic fatigue, professional identity, and sleep quality of nursing staff in nursing institutions. To analyze the correlation between empathic fatigue, professional identity and sleep quality of nursing staff.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study. The method of convenient sampling was used to select 224 nursing workers from the older adult's institutions in the Panjin area as the investigation objects. The nurses' general data questionnaire, the Chinese version of the compassion fatigue short scale, the nurses' professional identity Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used as evaluation tools. SPSS26.0 statistical software was used to sort out and analyze the data.

Results

There was a positive correlation between empathic fatigue and sleep quality; there was a negative correlation between empathy fatigue and professional identity. Occupational identity and sleep quality were negatively correlated.

Conclusion

There is a correlation between empathic fatigue, professional identity, and sleep quality of nursing workers. Empathy fatigue is positively correlated with sleep quality. Empathy fatigue was negatively correlated with professional identity. Occupational identity was negatively correlated with sleep quality. To provide a theoretical basis for the management of older adult's nursing staff and the formulation of corresponding management systems and policies, promote the mental health of older adult's nursing staff, improve sleep quality, and provide a theoretical basis and reference for future intervention research.

Sleep Deprivation and Fatigue among Nurses Working Consecutive Night Shifts: A Prospective Observational Study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify changes in sleep patterns and fatigue levels during consecutive night shifts among shift nurses and to determine the association between sleep parameters and increased fatigue levels during work.

METHODS

This prospective observational study employing ecological momentary assessments was conducted using data collected from 98 shift nurses working in Korean hospitals between June 2019 and February 2021. The sleep patterns were recorded using actigraphy. The participants reported their fatigue levels at the beginning and end of each night shift in real time via a mobile link. Linear mixed models were used for the analysis.

RESULTS

Nurses spent significantly less time in bed and had shorter sleep durations during consecutive night shifts than on off-duty days, whereas their wake times after sleep onset were much longer on off-duty days than on on-duty days. Fatigue levels were higher on the second and third night-shift days than on the first night-shift days. A shorter time spent in bed and asleep was associated with a greater increase in fatigue levels at the end of the shift than at the beginning.

CONCLUSION

Nurses experience significant sleep deprivation during consecutive night shifts compared with off-duty days, and this sleep shortage is associated with a considerable increase in fatigue levels at the end of shifts. Nurse managers and administrators must ensure sufficient intershift recovery time during consecutive night shifts to increase the time spent in bed and sleeping.

Are there effects of light exposure on daytime sleep for rotating shift nurses after night shift?: an EEG power analysis

Introduction

Night-shift workers often face various health issues stemming from circadian rhythm shift and the consequent poor sleep quality. We aimed to study nurses working night shifts, evaluate the electroencephalogram (EEG) pattern of daytime sleep, and explore possible pattern changes due to ambient light exposure (30 lux) compared to dim conditions (<5 lux) during daytime sleep.

Moethods

The study involved 31 participants who worked night shifts and 24 healthy adults who had never worked night shifts. The sleep macro and microstructures were analyzed, and electrophysiological activity was compared (1) between nighttime sleep and daytime sleep with dim light and (2) between daytime sleep with dim and 30 lux light conditions.

Results

The daytime sleep group showed lower slow or delta wave power during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep than the nighttime sleep group. During daytime sleep, lower sigma wave power in N2 sleep was observed under light exposure compared to no light exposure. Moreover, during daytime sleep, lower slow wave power in N3 sleep in the last cycle was observed under light exposure compared to no light exposure.

Discussion

Our study demonstrated that night shift work and subsequent circadian misalignment strongly affect sleep quality and decrease slow and delta wave activities in NREM sleep. We also observed that light exposure during daytime sleep could additionally decrease N2 sleep spindle activity and N3 waves in the last sleep cycle.

Factors affecting the psychomotor vigilance of nurses working night shift

BACKGROUND

Shifts and long working hours decrease the psychomotor vigilance of healthcare workers especially when working night shifts. Working night shifts adversely affects nurses' health and impacts patient safety.

AIM

The purpose of this study is to identify factors affecting the psychomotor vigilance of nurses working night shift.

METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with 83 nurses who were working in a private hospital in Istanbul and voluntarily participated in this study between April 25 and May 30, 2022. Data were collected using "Descriptive Characteristics Form," "Psychomotor Vigilance Task," "Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index," and "Epworth Sleepiness Scale." The "STROBE checklist" for cross-sectional studies was utilized in order to report the findings of the study.

RESULTS

When time-dependent variation of the nurses' psychomotor vigilance task performances on the night shift was examined, it was observed that the nurses' mean reaction time and number of lapses increased at the end of the night shift. Age, smoking, physical activity, daily water consumption, daytime sleepiness, and sleep quality were found as the factors affecting nurses' psychomotor vigilance.

CONCLUSION

The psychomotor vigilance task performances of nurses working night shift are affected by age and a variety of behavioral factors.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY

Suggestions for nursing policy include the implementation of workplace health promotion programs in order to increase the attention level of nurses in order to ensure employee and patient health and safety and create a healthy working environment.

Inter-individual variations in circadian misalignment-induced NAFLD pathophysiology in mice

Pathological consequences of circadian misalignment, such as shift work, show considerable individual differences, but the lack of mechanistic understanding hinders precision prevention to prevent and mitigate disease symptoms. Here, we employed an integrative approach involving physiological, transcriptional, and histological phenotypes to examine inter-individual differences in pre-symptomatic pathological progression, preceding irreversible disease onset, in wild-type mice exposed to chronic jet-lag (CJL). We observed that CJL markedly increased the prevalence of hepatic steatosis with pronounced inter-individual differences. Stratification of individual mice based on CJL-induced hepatic transcriptomic signature, validated by histopathological analysis, pinpoints dysregulation of lipid metabolism. Moreover, the period and power of intrinsic behavioral rhythms were found to significantly correlate with CJL-induced gene signatures. Together, our results suggest circadian rhythm robustness of the animals contributes to inter-individual variations in pathogenesis of circadian misalignment-induced diseases and raise the possibility that these physiological indicators may be available for predictive hallmarks of circadian rhythm disorders.

Considering the impact of shift working on health

Shift work is necessary for the provision of health services, especially in hospitals as it is the only way to provide continuous care to patients. Working at night is inconsistent with the body's biological clock and night shift working hugely disrupts the circadian and sleep wake cycles. In 2020, the World Health Organization classified night shift working as being a 'probable' class 2A carcinogen and a number of independent cohort studies of both night workers and shift workers have observed increased incidence of certain cancers. Altered sleep timing, food timing and light exposure typical for shift workers leads to an acute circadian disruption and misalignment of regulatory hormones. This straying from synchronisation has been shown to result in individuals being more vulnerable to a number of chronic health conditions. Night shift work disrupts the normal sleep-wake cycle, often leading to shortened sleep duration and excessive fatigue and the results of this are far reaching. This article will explore the full impact of shift working, questioning if current practices employed within the NHS should continue.

The effect of circadian on the productivity of nurses with the mediating role of quality of work life

BACKGROUND

Circadian rhythms, as an integral part of daily life, govern the scheduling, management, and coordination of living organisms. Given the irregular nature of shift patterns in nurses' work schedules, investigating their implications is paramount to increasing Quality of Work Life (QWL) and productivity. The study aimed to investigate the impact of circadian rhythm on the efficiency of nurses working in hospitals in Qazvin, Iran, with QWL serving as a mediating variable.

METHODS

This study employed a descriptive-analytical research design, utilizing cross-sectional data collected in 2022-2023 based on the implementation of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The number of participants was 378 nurses. The data were obtained by administering a questionnaire and various tools, organized into four sections: demographic information, the Circadian Questionnaire, the Quality of Work Life Questionnaire, and the Nurses' Efficiency Questionnaire. The collected data were subsequently analyzed using SEM techniques within the R software.

RESULTS

The findings demonstrated statistically significant variations in mean scores about gender and efficiency (p = 0.008), marital status and efficiency (p = 0.000), and employment type and efficiency (p = 0.002) among the study participants. There was a significant association between shift patterns and QWL (p = 0.004). Expressly, the confirmed results indicated a direct impact of circadian on QWL (with a path coefficient of 0.013), as well as an indirect impact on efficiency mediated by the variable QWL (with a path coefficient of 0.037) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Due to the critical role of nurses in the healthcare system, implementing strategies that promote their efficiency is paramount. Therefore, managers can create an environment that enhances nurses' productivity by improving methods that positively impact their QWL.

The impact of night shift stress and sleep disturbance on nurses quality of life: case in Palestine Red Crescent and Al-Ahli Hospital

BACKGROUND

Nurses play a vital role in providing round-the-clock care to patients, but the challenges associated with working night shifts can have significant implications for their well-being and quality of life.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the impact of night shift stress and sleep disturbance on the quality of life among nurses working in Palestine Red Crescent Society and Al-Ahli Hospital. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 189 full-time registered nurses with at least one year of job experience. The participants completed a questionnaire assessing night shift stress, sleep disturbance, and quality of life. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and path analysis were conducted to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The results reveal that quality of life has positive and low relationship with both night shift stress and sleep disturbances. Results also reveal that night shift stress had a direct negative impact on the quality of life of nurses. Sleep disturbance was found to mediate the relationship between night shift stress and quality of life, indicating that higher levels of night shift stress were associated with increased sleep disturbance, which, in turn, led to poorer quality of life outcomes.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the importance of addressing night shift stress and sleep disturbance among nurses to enhance their well-being and improve the quality of care provided to patients. In conclusion, this study contributes to the existing literature by demonstrating the detrimental effects of night shift stress and sleep disturbance on the quality of life of nurses. It emphasizes the importance of implementing interventions and creating supportive work environments that address the unique challenges faced by nurses working night shifts.

Characterization of risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea and its association with absenteeism among nurses

PURPOSE

To characterize risk factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its relationship with nurses' absenteeism.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2018 to 2020 at a 1,000-bed academic hospital complex and biomedical research facility in Tehran, Iran. Participants were selected through consecutive sampling after obtaining ethical approval and informed consent. Data on demographics, medical conditions, occupational characteristics, and absenteeism were collected through face-to-face interviews. The STOP-Bang questionnaire was utilized to assess the probability of OSA. Statistical tests included the Mann-Whitney U, t-test, Chi-square, and multivariable regression.

RESULTS

In this study involving 304 nurses, the majority were female (81.3%), with an average age of 35. About 27 participants (8.9%) had a high probability of OSA, with male sex, older age, higher body mass index, neck circumference, and diastolic BP identified as the main determinants of OSA. Additionally, shift work and night shifts were associated with increased absenteeism, while sex showed no significant association with absenteeism rates among nurses.

CONCLUSION

Male sex, neck circumference (obesity), night shifts, and diastolic BP can predict OSA risk. However, unauthorized absence from work is not associated with a high risk for OSA (STOP-BANG ≥3) or the individual risk factors of OSA.

Relationship between night shift and sleep problems, risk of metabolic abnormalities of nurses: a 2 years follow-up retrospective analysis in the National Nurse Health Study (NNHS)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Efforts to improve nurses' physical and mental health are critical to ensuring the safety and quality of the healthcare system. Long-term studies targeting the relevancy of nurses' occupation characteristics with health conditions remain insufficient. This study aimed to examine the relationship between nurses' night shift and sleep problems and metabolic abnormalities risk.

METHODS

This study was a part of the National Nurse Health Study, an ambispective cohort study in China, in 2021. Based on an integration physical examination data system, this study carried out a retrospective analysis of 730 nurses from 2018 to 2020 and combined with a questionnaire survey in 2021. The STROBE guidelines were adopted for reporting.

RESULTS

In the 23 (23.0, 24.0) months follow-up, higher night shift load was associated with more sleep problems such as shortened sleep duration, sleep disorders, poor sleep quality, and sleep deprivation. Moreover, night shift load was associated with chronic diseases risk factors, increasing body mass index and body fat, with more night shift density, increasing the occurrence of low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high triglyceride, triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, and serum uric acid.

CONCLUSION

The night shift load has become an occupational health concern, contributing to chronic diseases relevant metabolic risk factors and negative influence on sleep health. Focus on the strategies to improve the sleep quality of nurses undergoing night shift work, optimize work scheduling and ongoing monitor the relevant risk factors are essential to enhance the stability and well-being of the nursing workforce.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION INFORMATION

NCT04572347, on October 1, 2020. https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov/ct2/show/NCT04572347.

Effects of shift work schedules, compensatory sleep, and work-family conflict on fatigue of shift-working nurses in Chinese intensive care units

BACKGROUND

Shift work is inevitable for nurses in intensive care units. Various studies explored nurses' fatigue in multiple hospital wards. However, few studies focused on fatigue among nurses in intensive care units.

AIMS

To determine the association between shift work schedules, compensatory sleep, work-family conflict, and fatigue of shift-working nurses in critical care units.

STUDY DESIGN

A descriptive cross-sectional multi-center study was conducted in March 2022 among intensive care nurses from five hospitals.

METHODS

Data were collected by online survey, including self-designed demographic questions, the Fatigue Scale-14, the Chinese adult daytime sleepiness scale, and the work-family scale. Pearson correlation was conducted for bivariate analysis. Independent-sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to examine fatigue-related variables.

RESULTS

A total of 326 nurses responded to the survey with an effective response rate of 74.9%. The mean scores of physical fatigue and mental fatigue were 6.80 and 3.72, respectively. The bivariate analyses showed that work-family conflict was positively correlated with physical (r = 0.483, p < .001) and mental fatigue (r = 0.406, p < .001). Multiple linear regression results showed that work-family conflict, daytime sleepiness, and shift system were statistically significant factors influencing physical fatigue (F = 41.793, p < .001). Work-family conflict, sleep duration after the night shift, and daytime sleepiness were the main influencing factors of mental fatigue (F = 25.105, p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses with higher work-family conflict, daytime sleepiness, and working 12-h shifts have higher levels of physical fatigue. Higher work-family conflict, shorter sleep duration after night shifts, and daytime sleepiness are associated with higher mental fatigue among intensive care nurses.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Nursing managers and nurses should consider work-family factors and compensatory sleep in their efforts to reduce fatigue. It is necessary to strengthen work-supporting strategies and compensatory sleep guidance for nurses to promote fatigue recovery.

Interventions to improve the sleep of nurses: A systematic review

Nurses are at a high risk for short sleep duration and poor sleep quality due to irregular work schedules and high occupational stress. Considering the effect of nurses' sleep on the safety and health of themselves and their patients, it is important to promote healthy sleep for nurses. We sought to synthesize the published experimental and quasi-experimental studies that address interventions to improve sleep in nurses. A systematic search was conducted for studies published in English up until May 15, 2023, using the databases PubMed, CINAHL, Academic Search Ultimate, and PsycINFO. In total, 38 articles were included, covering 22 experimental and 16 quasi-experimental studies with sample sizes ranging from 9 to 207. Studies were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and considered as low to medium quality. Thirty-six of the 38 studies reported positive findings for at least one sleep outcome. Intervention types included aroma therapy, dietary supplements, cognitive behavioral therapy, light therapy, mind-body therapy, sleep education, exercise, napping, shift schedule modification, and multicomponent intervention, all of which showed moderate effectiveness in promoting sleep outcomes of nurses. Comparing and contrasting studies on specific interventions for improving sleep in nurses is sparse and often equivocal. With the variations of research methodology and outcome measures, it is difficult to make a conclusion about each intervention's effectiveness on specific sleep outcomes. Additional high-quality research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to evaluate strategies for improving sleep in this unique, safety-sensitive occupational group.

Wake-up Call: Night Shifts Adversely Affect Nurse Health and Retention, Patient and Public Safety, and Costs

The purpose of this mini review is to (1) summarize the findings on the impact of night shift on nurses' health and wellness, patient and public safety, and implications on organizational costs and (2) provide strategies to promote night shift nurses' health and improve organizational costs. The night shift, compared with day shift, results in poorer physical and mental health through its adverse effects on sleep, circadian rhythms, and dietary and beverage consumption, along with impaired cognitive function that increases nurse errors. Nurse administrators and health care organizations have opportunities to improve nurse and patient safety on night shifts. Low-, moderate-, and higher-cost measures that promote night nurses' health and well-being can help mitigate these negative outcomes. The provided individual and organizational recommendations and innovations support night shift nurses' health, patient and public safety, and organizational success.

A real-time, personalized sleep intervention using mathematical modeling and wearable devices

The prevalence of artificial light exposure has enabled us to be active any time of the day or night, leading to the need for high alertness outside of traditional daytime hours. To address this need, we developed a personalized sleep intervention framework that analyzes real-world sleep-wake patterns obtained from wearable devices to maximize alertness during specific target periods. Our framework utilizes a mathematical model that tracks the dynamic sleep pressure and circadian rhythm based on the user's sleep history. In this way, the model accurately predicts real-time alertness, even for shift workers with complex sleep and work schedules (N = 71, t = 13~21 days). This allowed us to discover a new sleep-wake pattern called the adaptive circadian split sleep, which incorporates a main sleep period and a late nap to enable high alertness during both work and non-work periods of shift workers. We further developed a mobile application that integrates this framework to recommend practical, personalized sleep schedules for individual users to maximize their alertness during a targeted activity time based on their desired sleep onset and available sleep duration. This can reduce the risk of errors for those who require high alertness during nontraditional activity times and improve the health and quality of life for those leading shift work-like lifestyles.

Life Habits of Healthcare Professionals during the Third Wave of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Spanish Hospital

(1) Background: To describe sleep quality, eating behaviour and alcohol, tobacco and illicit drug use among healthcare staff in a Spanish public hospital. (2) Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study examining sleep quality (Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index), eating behaviour (Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (R18)), tobacco and drug use (ESTUDES questionnaire) and alcohol use (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener). (3) Results: 178 people, of whom 87.1% (155) were women, with an average age of 41.59 ± 10.9 years. A total of 59.6% of the healthcare workers had sleep problems, to a greater or lesser degree. The average daily consumption was 10.56 ± 6.74 cigarettes. The most commonly used drugs included cannabis, occasionally used by 88.37%, cocaine (4.75%), ecstasy (4.65%) and amphetamines (2.33%). A total of 22.73% of participants had increased their drug use, and 22.73% had increased their consumption during the pandemic, with beer and wine accounting for 87.2% of drinks consumed during this period. (4) Conclusions: In addition to the psychological and emotional impact already demonstrated, the COVID-19 crisis has repercussions on sleep quality, eating behaviour and alcohol, tobacco and drug consumption. Psychological disturbances have repercussions on physical and functional aspects of healthcare workers. It is feasible that these alterations are due to stress, and it is necessary to act through treatment and prevention as well as promote healthy habits.

Analysis and mapping of global research publications on shift work (2012-2021)

BACKGROUND

The main objective of the study was to identify research trends, collaboration patterns, and the most impactful publications in the field of shift work.

METHODS

Documents published in scientific journals indexed in the Scopus database on shift work were retrieved and analyzed using the title/abstract search methodology. The study period was from January 1st, 2012, to December 31st, 2021.

RESULTS

Two thousand three hundred twenty-eight documents were retrieved with an h-index of 71 and an average number of 4.5 authors per document. The cumulative number of publications showed a linear growth pattern, while that of citations showed an exponential pattern. The most frequent author keywords, excluding keywords related to shift work, were sleep, fatigue, and nursing. The average annual growth rate was 4.3, and the average doubling time was 3.2. No significant correlation was found between the number of publications and national income among prolific countries. Cross-country research collaboration was weak while the degree of author-author collaboration was relatively high. The Chronobiology International journal was the most prolific, while Harvard University was the most active institution in the field of shift work.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the volume and the negative health impact of shift work, better human resource management is needed to create safer and healthier working schedules.

Mediating effect of circadian rhythm between work stress and sleep quality in Chinese shift-working nurses: A cross-sectional survey

AIM

This study examined the mediating effect of circadian rhythm amplitude (LV) and stability (FR) between work stress and sleep quality among Chinese shift-working nurses (SWNs).

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Three-hundred and seventy-nine nurses working in shifts were investigated by convenient sampling from six hospitals in Shanghai, China. The mediating effect was analysed using the structural equation model with bootstrapping procedures.

RESULTS

Work stress could directly affect shift nurses' sleep quality and indirectly affect sleep quality through circadian rhythm amplitude and stability. The total indirect effects of work stress on sleep quality accounted for 36.7% of the total effect. The study revealed that poor sleep quality is very common among SWNs, which deserves attention. The mediating effect of the circadian rhythm provides new insights to improve sleep quality, not only by lightening the work stress but also by improving circadian rhythm in SWNs.

Social and professional recognition are key determinants of quality of life at work among night-shift healthcare workers in Paris public hospitals (AP-HP ALADDIN COVID-19 survey)

Objective

Documenting the perceptions and experiences of frontline healthcare workers during a sanitary crisis is key to reinforce healthcare systems. We identify the determinants of quality of working life (QWL) among night-shift healthcare workers (NSHW) in Paris public hospitals shortly after the first-wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The ALADDIN cross-sectional online survey (15 June to 15 September 2020) collected QWL, socio-economic, behavioral, and work-related information among 1,387 NSHW in the 39 hospitals of the Assistance Publique—Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP). Data were weighted (margin calibration) to be representative of the entire population of 12,000 AP-HP hospitals’ NSHW regarding sex, age, and professional category. Linear regression was used to identify correlates of QWL (WRQoL scale).

Results

New night position during the COVID pandemic, difficulties in getting screened for COVID, and considering protective measures inadequate were associated with poorer QWL, after adjustment for socio-economic characteristics, professional category, perceived health, physical activity, and history of harassment at work. Under-estimation of night-shift work by day-shift colleagues, reporting night work as a source of tension with friends, or feeling more irritable since working at night also impaired QWL. By contrast, satisfaction regarding COVID information received from the employer, and feeling valued by the general population during the pandemic improved QWL.

Conclusions

Insufficient access to screening, information, and protective measures impaired QWL of NSHW after the first wave of COVID-19 in Paris public hospitals. Social and professional recognition of night-shift work were the key determinants of QWL in this population.

Effect of sleep on alertness at work among fixed night shift nurses: A prospective observational study

AIMS

To identify patterns of declining alertness at work among fixed night shift nurses using an objective measure and to determine the effect of sleep parameters on the decline in alertness at work.

DESIGN

A prospective observational study.

METHODS

Data were collected from 65 fixed night shift nurses who provided direct nursing care for patients in Korean hospitals between September 2020 and March 2021. Participants wore an actigraph for 14 days on their non-dominant hand to measure sleep parameters and predict their hourly alertness scores. They completed an online survey to provide their demographic information. Mixed-effect models were employed to determine the association between sleep parameters and the decline in alertness.

RESULTS

The alertness scores of fixed night shift nurses constantly dropped every working hour. Scores dropped below 20% after 4 h from the beginning of the shift and below 30% after 6 h. Increased minutes in bed, minutes asleep and sleep efficiency reduced the risk of decreased alertness scores below 70. Increased sleep latency was associated with an increased risk of alertness scores dropping below 70.

CONCLUSION

The alertness of fixed night shift nurses drops steeply during regular hours and remains low during overtime. Sleep parameters contribute to the decline in alertness at work among fixed night shift nurses.

IMPACT

This study identified patterns of decline in alertness among fixed night shift nurses and the contributing factors for this decline, using an objective measure. The findings have important implications for the development of future interventions to improve the sleep hygiene of fixed night shift nurses to enhance their alertness at work.

The influence of shift work on the psychomotor capabilities of emergency medicine residents

OBJECTIVE

Shift work affects health status of healthcare providers and patients. We assessed the effect of shift work on psychomotor activities of emergency medicine residents of 3 university hospitals.

METHODS

The participants were enrolled to perform selected psychomotor tests via the Vienna test system (VTS) after written consent. They passed 4 episodes of test performance before and after 2 consecutive day and night clinical shifts of 12 hours. The status of general health, circadian rhythm, sleepiness, smoking habits, and the scores of the cognition test (COG), the determination test (DT), and the visual pursuit test of emergency medicine residents were compared before and after morning and night shifts.

RESULTS

Overall, 23 residents (34.8% were male) performed tests. The mean (SD) age was 35.7 + 8.5 years. The mean general health and circadian scores before and after day/night shifts were not different. The Stanford sleepiness scale showed higher scores after night shifts. In the cognition test, the sum of correct rejections was higher after day shifts. Moreover, in the DT results, correct responses were more prevalent, the omitted responses were fewer accompanied by better median reaction time after day shifts. The sum of correct rejections of the COG test showed difference in terms of improved results in night tests compared to day-shift tests. The mean reaction time of the DT showed significant difference with shorter reaction time in night-shift tests. The visual pursuit test results were not different between day and night shifts.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleepiness was higher after night shifts. The results of selected psychomotor tests showed that the psychomotor function of the residents was not delayed or worse after night shifts in comparison to the day shifts.

Comparison of Sleep and Attention Metrics Among Nurses Working Shifts on a Forward- vs Backward-Rotating Schedule

IMPORTANCE

The association of fast backward-rotating shift work (ie, anticlockwise sequence of afternoon, morning, and night shifts) with subjective and objective measures of sleep-wake quality, daytime attention, and tiredness of health care workers has not yet been established.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of shift rotation direction with tiredness, sleepiness, and sustained attention among nurses working forward- and backward-rotating shifts.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Data of this cohort study were collected from nurses working at 5 midsized Italian hospitals. The nurses had either a forward-rotating schedule (ie, morning to afternoon to night) and or a backward-rotating schedule (ie, afternoon to morning to night). The data were collected from July 2017 to February 2020. Data analysis was performed from May to October 2020.

EXPOSURES

Participants were working either forward- or backward-rotating schedules, in which the sequence of 3 shifts (morning, afternoon, and night) changed in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Sleep data were collected using the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Sustained attention was measured using the Psychomotor Vigilance Task. Tiredness was evaluated using the Tiredness Symptom Scale.

RESULTS

A total of 144 nurses (mean [SE] age, 41.3 [0.8] years; 92 women [63.9%]) participated in the study; 80 nurses had forward-rotating schedules, and 64 had backward-rotating schedules. Nurses with irregular sleep-wake patterns due to night shift work had poor sleep quality (46 [57.5%] in forward-rotating schedule group; 37 [57.8%] in backward-rotating schedule group). Nurses working backward-rotating shifts exhibited significantly greater sleepiness (F1,139 = 41.23; P < .001) and cognitive slowing (ie, longer median reaction times; F1,139 = 42.12; P < .001) than those working forward rotations. Importantly, these differences were not affected by age, years of employment, and quality of sleep. Of nurses working on a backward-rotating schedule, 60 (93.8%) reported elevated sleepiness (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale score ≥7) after the night shift. The median reaction time (F1,139 = 42.12; P < .001), 10% fastest reaction time (F1,139 = 97.07; P < .001), minor lapses (F1,139 = 46.29; P < .001), and reaction time distribution (F1,139 = 60.13; P < .001) of nurses on backward-rotating schedules indicated a lower level of vigilance, which is negatively associated with neurobehavioral performance.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, both shift rotation models were negatively associated with health and cognitive performance. These findings suggest that forward shift rotation may be more beneficial than backward rotation for several measured performance attentional outcomes and sleepiness. Optimization of shift rotations should be implemented to decrease the combination of the negative outcomes associated with shift work and reduce the potential risk of medical errors in health care systems.

Clocks, Rhythms, Sex, and Hearts: How Disrupted Circadian Rhythms, Time-of-Day, and Sex Influence Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular diseases are the top cause of mortality in the United States, and ischemic heart disease accounts for 16% of all deaths around the world. Modifiable risk factors such as diet and exercise have often been primary targets in addressing these conditions. However, mounting evidence suggests that environmental factors that disrupt physiological rhythms might contribute to the development of these diseases, as well as contribute to increasing other risk factors that are typically associated with cardiovascular disease. Exposure to light at night, transmeridian travel, and social jetlag disrupt endogenous circadian rhythms, which, in turn, alter carefully orchestrated bodily functioning, and elevate the risk of disease and injury. Research into how disrupted circadian rhythms affect physiology and behavior has begun to reveal the intricacies of how seemingly innocuous environmental and social factors have dramatic consequences on mammalian physiology and behavior. Despite the new focus on the importance of circadian rhythms, and how disrupted circadian rhythms contribute to cardiovascular diseases, many questions in this field remain unanswered. Further, neither time-of-day nor sex as a biological variable have been consistently and thoroughly taken into account in previous studies of circadian rhythm disruption and cardiovascular disease. In this review, we will first discuss biological rhythms and the master temporal regulator that controls these rhythms, focusing on the cardiovascular system, its rhythms, and the pathology associated with its disruption, while emphasizing the importance of the time-of-day as a variable that directly affects outcomes in controlled studies, and how temporal data will inform clinical practice and influence personalized medicine. Finally, we will discuss evidence supporting the existence of sex differences in cardiovascular function and outcomes following an injury, and highlight the need for consistent inclusion of both sexes in studies that aim to understand cardiovascular function and improve cardiovascular health.