Shift‐work nurses’ work environments and health‐promoting behaviours in relation to sleep disturbance: A cross‐sectional secondary data analysis

Abstract Aims and objectives To examine the association of nursing work environments and health‐promoting behaviours with shift‐work nurses’ sleep disturbance. Background Shift‐work nurses reportedly have sleep problems, which affect their sleep quality and quantity. Given the high risk of developing performance decrements and medication errors in sleep‐disturbed nurses, factors related to sleep disturbance among shift‐work nurses should be investigated. Design A cross‐sectional secondary data analysis. Methods Our study analysed data from 339 nurses who had been involved in rotating shift work including night shifts for more than 6 months. To examine associations of nursing work environments and health‐promoting behaviours with sleep disturbance, multiple linear regression models were generated. This study is reported in accordance with the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology guideline. Results Nurses with more collegial relations with physicians were significantly less likely to have high levels of sleep disturbance ( B = −4.01, p = 0.04). Those with higher levels of sleep disturbance were significantly more likely to report less stress management ( B = −9.56, p < 0.01) and higher health responsibility ( B = 9.30, p < 0.01). Conclusions To alleviate shift‐work nurses’ sleep disturbance, organisational supports for collaborative relations with physician and increased healthcare accessibility are needed. Individual nurses should develop healthy lifestyles to reduce occupational stress and alleviate sleep disorders. Relevance to clinical practice To improve shift‐work nurses’ sleep, collegial relations with physicians and healthy lifestyles should be promoted.