Evaluation of sleep-wakefulness disorders in healthcare professionals working at a university hospital during COVID-19

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has impaired the sleep-wakefulness cycle especially of healthcare professionals (HP). Sleep is affected by many factors and preventable risk factors protect HP from sleep disorders. To evaluate sleep quality and sleep disorders in HP working to gain insight risk factors and to raise awareness about working risk groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of a total of 1190 HP employed at a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. From this population, a sample of 110 HP was selected based on reported only complaints of sleep. A sociodemographic data form and subjective sleep-wakefulness scales were applied. Sleep disorder was evaluated according to the ICSD-3. RESULTS: Most of the participants were female. It was observed that 67.3%of the HP had disturbed sleep quality, and that nurses and medical secretaries had more complaints compared to doctors. Insomnia disorders was the most common disorder among the participants. Cases of insomnia disorders were found to be 15.477 times higher among those who had a history of mental disorders in their families, smoking was shown to have the most negative effect on biological rhythm, and married people experienced more sleepiness during the day. CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 pandemic, ancillary health staff is at greater risk of experiencing deterioration of sleep quality and insomnia disorders. Female, being married, cigarette smoking, and family history of psychiatric disorders were correlated with the development of sleep complaints.