Effect of Sleep Disturbance on Fatigue, Sleepiness, and Near-Miss among Nurses in Intensive Care Units

Purpose This study aims to investigate the differences in fatigue, sleepiness, and near-miss according to sleep disturbance among shift nurses in intensive care units (ICUs). Methods A cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital was performed. A total of 122 shift nurses working in the six ICUs were recruited. They completed self-reported questionnaires about sleep disturbance, fatigue, sleepiness, and near-miss in the past two weeks. Results The prevalence of reported sleep disturbance was 30.3% (37 out of 122 subjects). Compared to the non-sleep disturbance group, the sleep disturbance group reported significantly more sleepiness (11.46 vs. 8.86) and higher fatigue (82.62 vs. 69.39). The sleep disturbance group showed higher rates of near-miss (78.4 vs. 57.6%) and a higher frequency of them (4.49 vs. 2.11/2weeks) compared to the non-sleep disturbance group. Medication error was the most common type of near-miss. Conclusion This study suggests that sleep disturbances could increase fatigue, sleepiness, and near-miss among ICU shift nurses. Personal and organizational programs should be developed to support the sleep of ICU nurses. Key Words: Fatigue, Near-Miss, Healthcare, Nurses, Sleep disturbance, Sleepiness