Prevalence of Sleep Disturbances Among Nurses in Al-Najaf Governorate

Introduction: Sleep disturbancesincluding insomnia, fragmented sleep, difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, and excessive daytime sleepinessare common among nurses and pose significant risks to their mental health, physical well-being, and job performance. Contributing factors include high work pressure, shift work, and social or familial responsibilities.Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sleep disturbances among nurses in Al-Najaf Governorate and examine their association with demographic variables such as age, gender, type of shift, and workplace unit.Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey with a non-probability convenience sample of 308 nurses working in health facilities under the Al-Najaf Health Office. Data were collected using a two-part questionnaire: the first collected demographic information, and the second used a 12-item scale to assess symptoms of sleep disturbances. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests, odds ratios, and eta-squared, were used for analysis.Results: The study found that 91.9% of participants reported symptoms of sleep disturbances, with the highest prevalence among nurses aged 2535 years (75%) and females (64.6%). Although female nurses had a higher prevalence rate, male nurses were 1.5 times more likely to report symptoms, though this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). No significant associations were found between sleep disturbances and demographic factors such as age, gender, shift type, or unit of work. The effect sizes for all demographic variables were weak.Conclusion: Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent among nurses in Al-Najaf, with a substantial impact across genders and work environments. However, demographic factors showed only a weak association with sleep disturbances, suggesting that occupational stressors and environmental pressures may play a more significant role. The study recommends the formation of a dedicated committee within healthcare institutions to address sleep-related issues and implement targeted interventions aimed at promoting nurse well-being.