Nurses’ level of sleepiness during night shift


Kaplan A., Özdemir C., Bülbül E.

INTERNATIONAL NURSING REVIEW, vol.71, no.4, pp.1062-1071, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 71 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/inr.12963
  • Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL NURSING REVIEW
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, ASSIA, CINAHL, EMBASE, Public Affairs Index
  • Page Numbers: pp.1062-1071
  • Kayseri University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Aims

This study aimed to determine the peak hours of sleepiness and the factors affecting the sleepiness levels of nurses.

Background

Sleepiness is commonly seen in individuals working night shifts. However, in case of nurses, this sleepiness can be a major threat to patient and staff safety.

Method

This was a prospective cross-sectional study. Data were collected between July and September 2023, and a stratified sampling method was used according to the departments in which the nurses worked. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form and Visual Analog Scale. Nurses reported their sleepiness levels at the beginning of each hour between midnight and 8:00 am.

EQUATOR checklist

The study adhered to the STROBE checklist for reporting.

Results

The mean sleepiness levels of emergency department nurses, intensive care nurses, internal or surgical clinic nurses, and all nurses were 59.75 ± 15.50, 43.53 ± 20.49, 44.67 ± 18.88, and 49.15 ± 19.67, respectively. The highest sleepiness level of the nurses was at 05:00 am. A significant correlation was found between the variables of age, gender, marital status, sleep quality, number of patients cared, working style and satisfaction with working in the department, and sleepiness level (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Nurses working night shifts experience sleepiness (highest at 5:00 am). In addition, the sleepiness levels of nurses are affected by some personal and clinical factors.

Implications for nursing and nursing policy

Based on the results, there is a need for necessary policies regarding nurses' working hours and working conditions. To protect patient and employee safety, necessary strategies should be devised regarding the hours when nurses experience the highest sleepiness and the factors affecting sleepiness levels.