Background of the Study
Sleep deprivation is a critical issue in healthcare, particularly among nurses who work night shifts. In Borno State, like many other regions, night-shift nursing is an essential aspect of healthcare delivery, yet it poses significant challenges to nurses' physical and mental well-being. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation impairs cognitive function, decision-making, and overall job performance (Buccheri et al., 2024). Nurses, due to the nature of their work, often experience disrupted sleep patterns, leading to fatigue, reduced alertness, and increased risk of making errors during shifts. This issue is especially pronounced for nurses working in high-pressure environments, such as emergency departments, intensive care units, and other acute care settings.
In Borno State, where healthcare systems face numerous challenges, including security issues and understaffing, the impact of sleep deprivation on night-shift nurses may be more severe. Research has indicated that sleep-deprived nurses are more likely to experience burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and higher rates of absenteeism (Jochim et al., 2023). Despite the critical role of night-shift nurses in delivering care, there is limited research on the specific effects of sleep deprivation on their performance in Borno State. This study aims to assess how sleep deprivation affects the performance of night-shift nurses in the state, focusing on its impact on patient care, decision-making, and overall nurse well-being.
Statement of the Problem
Night-shift nurses in Borno State are frequently exposed to sleep deprivation due to irregular sleep patterns, long hours, and high job demands. This condition likely impacts their performance, potentially leading to errors in patient care, increased risk of accidents, and overall reduced productivity. However, there is insufficient data on the specific effects of sleep deprivation on the performance of nurses in this region. Understanding these effects is crucial for implementing strategies to improve sleep quality and, by extension, the performance and well-being of nurses working night shifts in Borno State.
Objectives of the Study
1. To evaluate the extent of sleep deprivation among night-shift nurses in Borno State.
2. To assess the impact of sleep deprivation on the performance and patient care provided by night-shift nurses.
3. To identify potential strategies to mitigate the effects of sleep deprivation on night-shift nurses in Borno State.
Research Questions
1. To what extent are night-shift nurses in Borno State affected by sleep deprivation?
2. How does sleep deprivation impact the performance and patient care of night-shift nurses in Borno State?
3. What strategies can be implemented to reduce the effects of sleep deprivation on night-shift nurses in Borno State?
Research Hypotheses
1. Night-shift nurses in Borno State experience significant sleep deprivation that negatively impacts their job performance.
2. Sleep deprivation leads to a higher rate of errors in patient care among night-shift nurses in Borno State.
3. Interventions aimed at improving sleep quality will significantly enhance the performance of night-shift nurses in Borno State.
Definitions of Terms
• Sleep Deprivation: A condition that occurs when an individual does not get enough sleep to maintain normal functioning, often due to long working hours and irregular sleep patterns.
• Night-Shift Nurses: Nurses who work during the night, typically from 7 pm to 7 am, in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and clinics.
• Performance: The efficiency and quality of tasks performed by nurses, including patient care, decision-making, and adherence to protocols.