Napping to Reduce Fatigue in Night-Shift Nurses
Author Information
Author(s): Watanabe Kazuhiro, Shishido Inaho, Ito Yoichi M., Yano Rika
Primary Institution: Hokkaido University
Hypothesis
This study aims to explore the quantity and quality of napping among nurses working long night shifts to mitigate fatigue and sleepiness.
Conclusion
Nurses should aim for at least 120 minutes of napping with a sleep efficiency of at least 70% to effectively reduce fatigue and sleepiness during night shifts.
Supporting Evidence
- 81.2% of nurses worked four night shifts per month.
- Napping conditions of at least 120 minutes and 70% sleep efficiency were associated with lower fatigue and sleepiness.
- Sleep reactivity and pre-nap electronic device usage were common factors related to effective napping.
Takeaway
Nurses can feel less tired and sleepy if they take longer naps during their night shifts, especially if they sleep well during those naps.
Methodology
A month-long prospective observational study involving 32 nurses working 16-hour night shifts, measuring napping quantity and quality using a wearable device.
Potential Biases
Selection bias may have been present as only nurses who agreed to participate were included.
Limitations
The study was limited to one hospital ward and excluded nurses who did not nap, which may affect the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
{"age_mean":34.6,"nursing_experience_mean":11.8,"sex_distribution":{"female":29,"male":3}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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