Exploring Sleep and Fatigue of Clinical Nurses and Administrative Supervisors

Abstract

Shiftwork disrupts nurses’ sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation. Consequently, nurses experience fatigue and reduced alertness, which impact their job performance, physical and mental health, and patient safety. This study investigated the difference in fatigue and sleep quality between day and night shift clinical nurses and administrative supervisors. Significant differences were found between day and night shift clinical nurses in quality and patterns of sleep, perceptions of the severity and effects of fatigue, and work-related fatigue, but not with administrative supervisors. Furthermore, more night shift nurses and supervisors recalled a fatigue-related error, falling asleep at a red light, missing their exit, and having a car accident when driving home compared to those working day shift. In the interest of patient safety, it is imperative that nurses prioritize their sleep, and leaders must take proactive measures to mitigate fatigue.