Daytime sleepiness in health-care employees: A cross-sectional study between shift duty and day duty

Abstract

Background: Shift duty disrupts the sleep-wake cycle, leading to shift work disorder, which is characterized by daytime sleepiness and insomnia. Excessive daytime sleepiness decreases work performance, increases workplace accidents, and impairs neurocognitive function. Sleep disturbance also impacts the employee-patient relationship; thereby, it is necessary to assess the prevalence of daytime sleepiness. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study is to compare the prevalence of daytime sleepiness in healthcare employees working in the daytime versus shift duty. Materials and Methods: Subjects were chosen from the Parent Institute between the ages of 24 and 38. A total of 260 health-care employees were included in the study and were divided into two equal groups, with one working on day duty and the other working on shift duty. To evaluate subjective and objective daytime sleepiness, the Epworth sleepiness scale questionnaire was given to both groups. Results: The parameters were analyzed statistically. There was a significant difference in daytime sleepiness between the two groups. There was increased daytime sleepiness in health-care employees working on shift duty as compared to those working on day duty. Conclusion: Sleep deprivation due to disruption of internal sleep regulation leading to shift work disorder is thought to be an important cause of increased daytime sleepiness in health-care employees working on shift duty.