Evaluation of circadian rhythm and sleep quality,nutritional status and caffeine intake in healthcareworkers with constant day and night work

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of circadian rhythm on sleep quality, nutritional status and caffeine intake in fixed shift day and night health care workers. This study was conducted with a total of 250 employees, 52 males and 198 females, aged 20-60 years, working in fixed day (n=125) and fixed night shifts (n=125) at Kahramanmaraş Necip Fazıl City Hospital Additional Service Building. Demographic information form, Morningness Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Caffeine Consumption Frequency Questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were taken by the researcher face to face. As a result of the study, the number of main meals consumed by individuals working in the fixed night shift was found to be less than those working in the fixed day shift (p<0.05). In both shifts, carbohydrate intake met the requirement, but energy intake did not meet the requirement. The arithmetic mean MEQ score of the participants in the fixed night shift was 50.5±7.20, while it was 53.7±7.75 in the participants in the fixed day shift (p<0.05). In the classification of the participants according to their MEQ scores, it was found that most participants were "Intermediate type" in both shift systems. A negative correlation was found between MEQ scores and caffeine intake of fixed day shift workers (p<0.05). In both genders, the PUKI total score of fixed night shift workers was found to be higher than that of fixed day shift workers (p>0.05). It was concluded that disrupted circadian rhythm negatively affects sleep quality and nutrition of individuals. In order to minimize these effects, adequate sleep duration (at least 7 hours/day) should be ensured. It would be useful to educate employees about the importance of a chronotypically appropriate work schedule and to raise awareness on this issue. Keywords: Nutrition, circadian rhythm, sleep quality, caffeine intake