Rotating between day and night shifts: Factors influencing sleep patterns of hospital nurses

Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate sleep patterns of hospital nurses using a wearable electronic device and determine the influence of rotating day and night shifts and lifestyle factors on their sleep efficiency. Background: Nurses working in shifts are vulnerable to sleep disturbances. However, little is known about the influence of rotating day and night shift schedules and healthy lifestyle on nurses’ daily sleep patterns. Design: Descriptive correlational design. Methods: Thirty-two hospital nurses working in shifts and 32 hospital nurses not working in shifts participated in data collection. Their sleep patterns were measured for six consecutive days using Fitbit Charge 3^™, and information on alcohol consumption, exercise, and eating habits were assessed using a questionnaire. Data were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance with post hoc Scheffe's test and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The study was conducted in accordance with the STROBE guideline. Results: Overall, nurses working on rotating day and night shifts had significantly shorter total sleep time, longer sleep onset latency, and lower sleep efficiency than those not working in shifts. In particular, nurses working for 3 or 4 consecutive night shifts had significantly shorter total sleep time, lower sleep efficiency and longer sleep onset latency than those working for 0–2 consecutive night shifts. Rotating day and night shifts and alcohol consumption significantly influenced sleep efficiency. Conclusions: A work schedule of ≥3 consecutive night shifts and the habit of alcohol consumption before bed time influence nurses’ sleep efficiency. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Given the poor sleep pattern among nurses working in shifts, particularly those working on ≥2 consecutive night shifts, it is necessary to develop an optimal shift schedule and a program to promote healthy lifestyle among hospital nurses.