Cross-sectional survey on risk factors for insomnia in Japanese female hospital nurses working rapidly rotating shift systems.

The prevalence of insomnia among nurses in rapidly rotating shift systems is 29.2%, significantly higher than in the general population.

• Insomnia rates among surveyed nurses were three to four times higher than in the general population.
• 23% of those with insomnia reported using medically prescribed sleep aids.
• Independent risk factors for insomnia included being 24 years old or younger, working three or fewer night shifts monthly, having six or fewer non-working days, receiving less support from colleagues and superiors, and caring for severely ill patients.
• The number of hours worked during night shifts was not associated with insomnia when controlling for other factors.
• Three main factors negatively affecting sleep were identified: inexperience with shift work among young nurses, the need to recover sleep on days off, and stress related to nursing work.

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