Sleep Disorders in Night Work

Abstract

Introduction The circadian disturbance associated with night-shift work is a source of occupational hazard that has a negative impact on the physical and mental health of workers. Objective Explore the sleep disorders and the psychological impact among night workers. Methods A cross-sectional study carried on 35 employees in an industrial company . It uses a questionnaire exploring the socio-professional data, psychological effects (fatigue, sleep, anxiety and depression) and family impact of the night work. The following scales were used: – SPIEGEL questionnaire to screen for sleep disorders. – EPWORTH Sleepiness Scale to evaluate daytime sleepiness. – PICHOT‘s fatigue scale to assess the intensity of fatigue. – HAD scale: Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. Results The overage of the workers was 32.3 ± 6.7 years. Most of them (85%) were male. The level education was superior in 74% of cases. Two thirds of employees work at night. Among night workers, frequent nocturnal awakenings and sleep onset difficulties were noted in respectively 65% and 35% of cases. Nearly three-quarters of subjects had anxiety symptoms and nearly a third had depressive symptoms. Night workers complained mainly of impaired concentration (74%) and memory impairment (52%). Excessive fatigue was identified in 17, 4% of cases. At the family level, 65% of subjects reported that night work cause disruption of their family life and of their quality of life. Conclusion Sleep disorders, anxiety and depression disorders are frequently found in night work. Besides, working the shift night can affect family life and the quality of life as well.