Evaluation of the relationship of sleep disorders and occupational stress to cardiovascular disease risk and risk awareness in shift working nurses

Aim: This study investigated the relationships between sleep disorders and occupational stress with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and risk awareness in shiftworking nurses. Methods: This research was a cross-sectional study conducted on 258 nurses working at a university hospital between June and September 2023. The data were collected using the "DSM-5 Sleep Disorder-Adult Scale Short Form," "General Job Stress Scale," "Framingham Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score," and the "Cardiovascular Disease Risk Awareness Assessment Scale." Results: While most nurses reported having a healthy sleep duration (63.6%), 52.7% of nurses had sleep disorders, and occupational stress was moderate. The risk of experiencing full CVD in the next 30 years was moderate in 28.7% of nurses and high in 5.4%. The risk of severe CVD was moderate in 18.2% of nurses and high in 0.8%. General occupational stress increased as nurses' sleep disorders increased. The top three variables that increased the risks of full CVD and severe CVD in nurses were the use of antihypertensive drugs, being male, and the presence of chronic diseases. The top three variables that decreased these risks were quitting smoking, never smoking, or being married. As nurses' sleep disorders and occupational stress increased, awareness of CVD risk and intentions to adopt healthy lifestyle habits also increased. Conclusions: The results indicated that shift work heightened sleep disorders and occupational stress, directly impacting CVD risk and awareness. Screening nurses over 40, incorporating rest breaks, promoting healthy habits, and organizing stress management programs can aid in reducing CVD risk.