Work and Personal Characteristics Associated With Sleep Behavior Among Acute Care Nurses

Background: Sleep is an essential biological function; insufficient sleep (quantity) and poor sleep (quality) are associated with negative occupational and health outcomes. Sleep deficiency among nurses has been linked to several negative nurse and patient safety outcomes. However, relatively few studies have comprehensively examined the relationship between nurses' work and personal factors, and sleep behavior (quality, quantity, and daytime sleepiness). Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify work and personal attributes influencing nurses' sleep behaviors. Methods: This report is a secondary analysis of sleep data that were collected as a part of a mixed-methods study that was conducted in eight hospitals in a midwestern state. A self-report, paper-and-pencil questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: Our participants reported sleeping for up to 6.6 hours, with 87% reporting poor sleep quality and 51% reporting excessive daytime sleepiness. Personal factors such as age, education, number of children, and exercise were other factors significantly associated with sleep behavior (p < .0001). In addition to shift work, staffing and resource adequacy were significant work factors associated with nurses' sleep. Conclusion: A multifaceted approach designed around nurses' work characteristics and personal factors is needed to help nurses better manage their sleep.