Nurses' level of sleepiness during night shift

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.

Keywords: Cross‐sectional study; night shift; night shifts; nursing; patient safety; sleepiness; staff safety.