Comparison of Sleep, Perceived Health, and Job Stress According to Symptoms of Shift Work Disorder in Shift Nurses

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of symptoms of shift work disorder (SSWD) and its related factors in rapidly rotating three-shift nurses. Methods: We enrolled 344 nurses (mean age, 28.7 years) without prior history of sleep disturbance before starting shift work in a university-affiliated hospital. SSWD were defined using self-reported sleep questionnaires (insomnia severity index >14 and/or Epworth Sleepiness Scale ≥10) and without any sleep problem before shift work. Sleep pattern in each of the three shifts was measured using the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire for Shift-Workers. Mood (anxiety, depression) and job stress were also measured using self-reported questionnaires. Results: Our results showed that 62.2% of the participants presented SSWD. Compared to the non-SWD group, the SSWD group showed worse sleep hygiene, lower total sleep time (TST) during workdays, higher anxiety and depressive mood, and higher job stress. In the SSWD group, the evening chronotype individuals presented the shortest TST during day shifts, while the morning chronotype individuals presented the shortest TST during evening shifts. Conclusions: SSWD is highly prevalent in fast rotating three-shift nurses. This study suggests that intensive education on sleep hygiene and appropriate scheduling of shift work while considering individual chronotypes may improve sleep patterns and sleep quality of shift workers and minimize SSWD.