Associations of chronotype and insomnia with menstrual problems in newly employed nurses at university hospitals in the Republic of Korea

Sep 13, 2023Annals of occupational and environmental medicine

Links between sleep patterns, insomnia, and menstrual problems in new nurses at Korean university hospitals

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Abstract

The prevalence rates of , irregular menstrual cycles, and longer menstrual cycles among shift-working nurses were 23.8%, 14.9%, and 4.1%, respectively.

Dysmenorrhea risk significantly increased in evening-type nurses (odds ratio [OR]: 3.209).
was associated with a higher risk of dysmenorrhea (OR: 1.871).
Evening-type nurses had an increased risk of experiencing irregular menstrual cycles (OR: 2.698).
Individuals with insomnia were at a greater risk for longer menstrual cycles (OR: 4.008).
Factors like and insomnia may contribute to menstrual problems among women in shift work.

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BACKGROUND: and menstrual cycle changes occur in women working shifts. Circadian rhythm disruption and sleep disturbances associated with shift work leads to health problems. We identified and the occurrence of among newly employed university hospital nurses and investigated the association of these factors with menstrual problems.

METHODS: We conducted pre-placement health examinations for shift workers using self-reported questionnaires between 2018 and 2020. A total of 463 nurses were included in the study. Sociodemographic data, shift work experience, and information on insomnia were collected from health examination data. In addition, details regarding chronotype, dysmenorrhea, irregular and abnormal menstrual cycles, amenorrhea, and contraceptive use were obtained from the questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to study the association between chronotype, insomnia, and menstrual problems after controlling for age, body mass index, contraceptive use, amenorrhea, and prior shift work.

RESULTS: The prevalence rates of dysmenorrhea, irregular menstrual cycles, and longer menstrual cycles were 23.8%, 14.9%, and 4.1%, respectively. The risk of dysmenorrhea increased in the evening-type (odds ratio [OR]: 3.209; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.685-6.113) and those with insomnia (OR: 1.871; 95% CI: 1.074-3.261). Additionally, the risk of an irregular menstrual cycle (OR: 2.698; 95% CI: 1.167-6.237) increased in the evening-type, and the risk of a longer menstrual cycle (OR: 4.008; 95% CI: 1.354-11.864) increased in individuals with insomnia.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that dysmenorrhea is promoted in the evening-type and insomnia individuals. There may be an increased risk of irregular menstrual cycles among evening-type nurses and an increased risk of longer menstrual cycles among those with insomnia. Therefore, factors such as evening-type and insomnia should be considered for the prevention of menstrual problems in women performing shift work.

Key numbers

3.209

Increased Risk of

Odds ratio for evening-type vs. non-evening-type nurses.

2.698

Increased Risk of Irregular Cycles

Odds ratio for evening-type vs. non-evening-type nurses.

4.008

Increased Risk of Longer Cycles

Odds ratio for individuals with vs. those without.

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Associations of chronotype and insomnia with menstrual problems in newly employed nurses at university hospitals in the Republic of Korea

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