Sleep Disturbances Among Nurses in Iran: A Meta-Analysis

Context: Sleep disorder is a crucial occupational problem for nurses that not only makes health problems for them but also affects job performance and patient’s safety. The status of sleep disorders in nurses is reported variously in Iran. Objective: This study aimed to provide an accurate, precise, and reliable estimate of sleep disorders among nurses using a metaanalysis. Methods: To find relevant studies, international (PubMed,Web of Sciences, and Scopus) and Iranian (Magiran, IranMedex, SID, Iran- Doc, and Medlib) databases were systematically searched until June 2017. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata Statistics Software version 11 (Stata Corp., College Station, TX., USA). The heterogeneity of studies was calculated using the I-square test. The analysis of data was conducted using a random-effects model. Results: Overall, 6894 subjects were enrolled from 26 reviewed studies. The pooled rate of poor sleep quality among nurses in Iran was 64% (95% CI: 55 - 73), and the average score of the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was estimated to be 8.72 (95% CI; 7.80 - 9.65). The prevalence of daytime sleepiness was 36% (95% CI: 23 - 48). The rate of hypnotic drug consumption was 28% (95% CI: 17 - 38), the sleep latency was 30.84 minutes (95% CI: 27.98 - 33.70), and the mean sleep duration was estimated to be 6.43 hours (95% CI: 5.29 - 7.56). Conclusions: The prevalence of sleep disorders was high among Iranian nurses. It seems necessary to implement appropriate measures, such as optimal scheduling of work shifts, sleep hygiene education, and day rests after night shifts.