Perceived Impact of Shift Work on Sleep Quality and Alertness Among Medical National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Members in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria

Background: Shift work in healthcare is associated with disrupted circadian rhythms, poor sleep quality, and decreased alertness. Despite their critical role in Nigerian healthcare, there is limited research on how shift work affects sleep quality and performance among medical National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members. This study investigated the perceived impact of shift work on sleep quality and alertness among medical NYSC members in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, by comparing outcomes between fixed-day and rotating shift workers. We hypothesized that rotating shift workers would report poorer sleep quality and reduced alertness compared to fixed shift workers. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among NYSC members using purposive sampling. Respondents were classified into fixed-day shift workers and rotating shift workers. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and a five-point alertness scale were used as data collection tools. SPSS v23 was used for descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Thirty (30) respondents participated in the study. The prevalence of poor sleep quality (PSQI score > 5) was 83.3%, with no statistically significant differences between fixed-day and rotating shift workers (p > 0.05). A significant negative correlation was found between global PSQI scores and alertness levels (r = −0.592, p = 0.001). Key PSQI components, including subjective sleep quality, daytime dysfunction, and use of sleep medication, were significantly correlated with decreased alertness. Conclusions: Poor sleep quality is highly prevalent among NYSC members, negatively affecting their alertness. Interventions to address sleep quality in NYSC members are vital for optimizing performance and ensuring long-term well-being.