Exploring Sleep Disturbance and Fatigue Level Among Critical Care Nurses in Jordan

Sleep disturbances and fatigue are significant concerns among critical care nurses due to the demanding nature of their work, which includes long shifts, high patient acuity, and constant exposure to stress. This study explores the prevalence and correlation between sleep disturbances and fatigue among critical care nurses. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 104 nurses across 6 government hospitals through validated self-reported measures, including the Richards-Campbell Sleep Scale and the Fatigue Assessment Scale. Findings revealed moderate sleep disturbance, with an average sleep quality (SQ) score of 57.57 (SD = 23.90). Fatigue levels were also notable, particularly physical exhaustion. While demographic factors such as experience and work shifts showed no significant effect on SQ, age and gender were significantly associated with fatigue levels. Additionally, a negative correlation (R = -0.234, P = .017) was found between SQ and fatigue, indicating that poorer SQ was linked to higher fatigue levels. These results highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve sleep hygiene and reduce fatigue among critical care nurses. Implementing structured shift schedules and fatigue management strategies could enhance nurses' well-being and ultimately improve patient safety and health care outcomes.