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Bergen, Norway – A new study has revealed that sleep debt and night shifts significantly increase the risk of common infections among nurses. Conducted by researchers at Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen, the study found that inadequate sleep is associated with heightened susceptibility to illnesses such as the common cold, pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, and gastrointestinal infections.
The study, published in Chronobiology International, examined 1,335 Norwegian nurses, with an average age of 41.9 years, of whom 90.4% were women. The data was collected from the 2018 Survey of Shift work, Sleep and Health study.
Key Findings: Sleep Debt and Increased Infection Risk
Researchers found a direct correlation between sleep debt—defined as sleeping one or more hours less than needed—and an increased risk of infections. Compared to those with adequate sleep, individuals experiencing sleep debt of 1 to 2 hours had a higher risk of developing common colds (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.33), pneumonia/bronchitis (aOR 2.29), sinusitis (aOR 2.08), and gastrointestinal infections (aOR 1.45). Nurses with a sleep debt of more than 2 hours exhibited even greater vulnerability, with the risk of pneumonia or bronchitis increasing nearly fourfold (aOR 3.88).
Impact of Night Work on Health
The study also linked night work to an increased likelihood of developing the common cold. Compared to nurses who did not work night shifts, those who worked at least one to twenty night shifts had a 28% to 49% higher chance of catching a cold (aORs 1.28 and 1.49, respectively). However, the study found that sleep duration and quick returns—rest periods of fewer than 11 hours between shifts—did not significantly affect infection risk.
Health Implications and Recommendations
Senior author Siri Waage, PhD, emphasized the broader implications of these findings: “Sleep debt and irregular shift patterns, including night work, not only compromise nurses’ immune health but could also impact their ability to provide high-quality patient care.”
Coauthor Stale Pallesen, PhD, suggested several measures to mitigate these risks. “Nurses could benefit from optimized shift patterns, such as limiting consecutive night shifts and allowing adequate recovery time between shifts. Raising awareness about the importance of sleep for immune health and encouraging regular health screening and vaccinations for healthcare workers may also be helpful.”
Given that approximately 25% of the global workforce engages in shift work, these findings highlight the urgent need for improved working conditions and health-focused policies for healthcare workers.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Healthcare professionals should consult their institutions’ guidelines or a medical expert for specific recommendations on managing sleep and shift work.
