Factors influencing sleep quality among nursing staff: Results of a cross sectional study

Abstract

Purpose: Given the intense physical and mental demands placed on nurses and other caregivers, getting sufficient sleep is essential to maintaining both individual health and professional performance. The goal of our study is to describe and analyze the self-reported sleep quality of nursing staff and identify which factors have an influence on it.

Methods: The sample was comprised of 153 female nurses over the age of 20 years who completed written surveys regarding their health status and health behavior. Their responses were subjected to ANOVA analysis with post hoc follow-up tests and logit regression was used.

Results: 33% of female nursing staff reported poor quality sleep. Lower quality of life, tachycardia and unequal distribution of work load were most strongly associated with poor sleep quality.

Conclusion: Our study indicates that reducing workplace stress is a good place to start in developing a proactive strategy. A comprehensive prevention strategy should include both behavioral and situational prevention elements. Future studies should focus on identifying causal factors and developing prevention strategies.

Keywords: Health behavior; Nurses; Nursing; Occupational health.