ASSESSMENT OF NIGHT SHIFT EFFECTS ON NURSES' HEALTH AND WORK

S FATIMA; A GHAFFAR; R ASIF; H SADIQUE; G ANWAR; I YASIN

doi:10.54112/pjicm.v5i02.240

Authors

S FATIMA Ittefaq College of Nursing, Lahore, Pakistan
A GHAFFAR Ittefaq College of Nursing, Lahore, Pakistan
R ASIF Ittefaq College of Nursing, Lahore, Pakistan
H SADIQUE Ittefaq College of Nursing, Lahore, Pakistan
G ANWAR Ittefaq College of Nursing, Lahore, Pakistan
I YASIN Ittefaq College of Nursing, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/pjicm.v5i02.240

Keywords:

Night Shift Work, Nurses, Sleep Deprivation, Circadian Rhythm, Occupational Health, Work Performance, Mental Health, Fatigue

Abstract

Background: Night shift work is integral to healthcare delivery but is associated with circadian rhythm disruption, leading to adverse physical, psychological, and occupational outcomes among nurses. Objective: To assess the effects of night shift work on nurses’ health, sleep patterns, psychological well-being, work performance, and social life in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: Ittefaq Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Duration of Study: April to September 2025. Methods: A total of 171 registered nurses were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed demographic characteristics, physical health symptoms, sleep disturbances, psychological responses, work performance, and social impact. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages, and inferential analysis was performed using the chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The majority of participants were aged 25–30 years (69.0%) and female (78.4%). A high proportion reported discomfort during night shifts (87.1%) and health-related issues (68.4%). More than half (53.8%) experienced inadequate sleep, while 71.3% reported difficulty initiating sleep. Sleep disturbances adversely affected work performance in 74.3% of nurses. Psychological strain was evident, with many participants reporting feelings of depression, isolation, and dissatisfaction with professional recognition. Work–life imbalance was reported by 74.9% of respondents, along with challenges in maintaining social relationships and daily routines, despite relatively strong family support. Conclusion: Night shift work is associated with substantial physical, psychological, and social burdens among nurses, with significant implications for work performance and overall well-being. Targeted interventions focusing on shift scheduling, mental health support, and sleep hygiene strategies are essential to mitigate these effects and improve nurses’ quality of life and productivity.

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