Influence of Shift Work on the Health of Nursing Professionals
Summary
This observational study surveyed 380 nurses from several Spanish cities between March and May 2019 to compare the health effects of fixed versus rotating shifts. Participants completed validated questionnaires measuring gastrointestinal symptoms, stool consistency, anxiety, depression, stress, sleep quality, and perceptions of their work environment. Results showed that nurses on rotating shifts reported more abdominal pain, worse sleep efficiency, higher anxiety and depression scores, and more symptoms of depersonalization. They also rated their work environment more negatively. The findings suggest that rotating shift schedules may directly contribute to digestive issues, emotional strain, and reduced quality of care.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
For nurses and other rotating shift workers, this study highlights that problems like stomach upset, poor sleep, and stress are not isolated experiences — they were consistently higher in rotating shift nurses across multiple measures. Because the study used standardized health and mental health questionnaires, it provides structured evidence that the schedule itself can drive these challenges. For workers, this reinforces the importance of seeking support and recovery time. For employers, it points to the value of policies that limit constant shift changes and provide resources to protect both staff well-being and patient safety.
Notes
Open access review of nurses’ shift work health effects.