Sleepless in Scrubs: A Systematic Analysis of Insomnia, Anxiety, and Depression Among Hospital-Based Nurses

Abstract

This is a systematic review that investigates the prevalence rates and correlates of these interrelated conditions in nursing professionals in hospital settings. Nurses working in hospitals encounter occupational risks exclusive to their occupation that makes them vulnerable to major mental health difficulties especially insomnia, anxiety and depression. Based on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and large-scale epidemiology studies published in the past decade (2010 -24), this paper summarizes existing evidence on the extent of sleep and mental health disorders in nursing populations. The results indicate that the prevalence rates are alarmingly high, and insomnia is experienced by 38.9 percent of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of sleep quality is higher than 50 percent in nurses who work a shift. The organizational factors, the shift work, and the nature of the demands of patient care become the major correlates. Although single-level interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and education on sleep hygiene have a low level of effectiveness, the organizational techniques, like optimization of schedules and improved staffing, have higher potential of providing mental health protection on a long-term basis. This review ends with an overview of recommendations of organizational interventions, policy modifications, and future study directions to deal with this serious occupational health emergency.

Keywords: Insomnia, anxiety, depression, hospital nurses, sleep disorders, shift work, mental health, occupational health.