Sleep disorders and night shifts in HNC workers

Abstract

Our Circadian Cycle, is regulated by the information that travels from the photosensitive cells of the retina to the hypothalamus. Night work schedules give rise to Circadian dyssynchrony (CD)  and decreased melatonin concentration, leading to chronic fatigue, reduced work productivity and increased risk of accidents. Night workers sleep between two and four hours less, on average, than day workers.  CD and chronic sleep deprivation increase the incidence of metabolic syndrome, cancer, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and digestive diseases, atherogenic lipid profile, calcification of arteries, as well as fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness. OBJECTIVES: To observe the quality of sleep of HNC night workers and to identify the most frequent sleep disorders.

Cross-sectional descriptive study, from January to March 2023. HNC health area personnel between the ages of 18 and 65 who work rotating hours (night shift and/or workers who only work night shift) were included. Age, sex, occupation, and the Pittsburgh questionnaire that assesses sleep quality were recorded.

A total of 134 workers were surveyed, 54% being women. 27% have been working these hours for more than 5 years, 61% between 1 and 5 years and 12% have been working for one year or less, coinciding with optimal sleep quality. Through E. Pittsburgh, not only sleep quality was described, but it was also observed that the most observed sleep disorder was insomnia with daytime hypersomnia in 80%. 39% of those surveyed have parasomnias and 21% snoring.  37% of workers sleep less than 5 hours a day.

We observe that the effects produced by circadian dyssynchrony are not recognized by many of those who suffer from it. Those who had optimal sleep quality were those who had worked night shifts for less than a year, evidencing that chronicity could cause sleep disorders. It is of mere importance to promote healthy sleep habits, publicize the consequences of a bad rest, contribute with help tools, reduce the negative effects and prevent possible diseases.