(Publish from Houston Texas USA)
(Researcher: Nabeeda Shah (BS-N, 8th semester))
Keywords: Night duty; sleep disturbance; fatigue; health impacts; staff nurses.
Abstract
Background
Night duty is an integral part of hospital nursing services; however, it is associated with disturbances in sleep patterns, physical health, mental well-being, and social functioning. Prolonged exposure to night shifts may result in sleep disturbance, fatigue, psychological stress, and adverse health outcomes, potentially compromising nurses’ performance and patient safety.
Objectives
To assess the effects of night duty on sleep disturbance, fatigue, and health outcomes among staff nurses, and to examine associated coping mechanisms and social and family life.
Materials and Methods
An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta. A total of 169 registered nurses were selected using a stratified sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire incorporating validated tools, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Fatigue Assessment Scale, PHQ-9, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Brief COPE, and Social Support Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, and one-way ANOVA.
Results
A high prevalence of sleep disturbance and fatigue was observed among nurses working night duty. Night duty was significantly associated with poor sleep quality, impaired physical and mental health, and disruption of social and family life (p < 0.05). Younger, unmarried, and less experienced nurses reported more pronounced adverse effects. Although nurses with greater work experience demonstrated better coping mechanisms, these were insufficient to fully counteract the negative health impacts of night duty.
Conclusion
Night duty has a significant negative impact on nurses’ sleep quality, physical and mental health, and social well-being. Organizational interventions, including structured shift scheduling, limitation of consecutive night duties, and provision of occupational and mental health support programs, are essential to improve nurses’ well-being and ensure safe and effective patient care.
