Sleepiness and safety at work among night shift NHS nurses

• Published in: Occupational medicine (Oxford) Vol. 71; no. 9; pp. 439 - 445
• Main Authors: Westwell, A, Cocco, P, Van Tongeren, M, Murphy, E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: UK Oxford University Press 24.12.2021
• Subjects: Cross-Sectional Studies; Disorders of Excessive Somnolence - epidemiology; Disorders of Excessive Somnolence - etiology; Humans; Nurses; Original Paper; Sleepiness; State Medicine; Surveys and Questionnaires; Wakefulness; Work Schedule Tolerance; prevalence; shift work; midwife; safety; Driving; NHS; nurse; sleepiness; occupational health
• ISSN: 0962-7480; 1471-8405
• DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqab137

Abstract Background Sleepiness associated with night shift working (NSW) is known to adversely affect workers’ health and well-being. It has been associated with adverse safety outcomes and is a recognized workplace hazard among healthcare workers. Aims This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of self-reported sleepiness in NSW nurses and midwives. This study also explored the consequences of sleepiness on safety at work and driving. Methods A cross-sectional study of NSW nurses and midwives was conducted at an National Health Service (NHS) hospital trust from 16 March 2020 to 1 June 2020. Data were collected by online questionnaire and included information on demographics, shift work and safety aspects. Sleepiness was assessed with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Results Data collection coincided with the first coronavirus pandemic peak in England. Out of 1985 eligible NSW nurses and midwives, 229 participated in the study, with a response rate of 12%. The prevalence of sleepiness was 28%. Following a night shift, 49% of nurses reported nodding off at the wheel and 44% reported a near-miss car accident in past 12 months. An abnormal ESS score was significantly associated with near-miss car accidents (odds ratio [OR] 2.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31–5.77) and with low confidence in undertaking complex tasks at night (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.20–5.84). Conclusions More than a quarter of NSW nurses and midwives reported excessive daytime sleepiness although, due to the low response rate, this may not be representative. Adverse driving events were common. Elevated ESS scores correlated well with safety issues relating to work and driving.