Sleep Patterns and Circadian Types of Nursing Students during Shift Schedules

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate sleep habits, sleep disturbance, and circadian types, and to identify factors influencing sleep disturbance in nursing students. Methods: Participants were 140 senior nursing students. The data were collected from May 19 to 27, 2008 using self-report questionnaires. Results: 1) Evening type delayed sleep-wake schedules were more frequent than for morning type, especially during weekend and evening shift duty. 2) In total sleep time, there were no significant statistical differences between morning type and evening type during weekdays, weekend, day or evening shift duty. 3) On weekdays and day shift duty, the mean score for sleep disturbance was significantly higher in the evening type compared to the morning type. 4) Sleep disturbance in weekday and day shift duty was influenced by circadian types, eating habits, and gender. Conclusion: The circadian types are a very important factor for determining the sleep quantity and quality in nursing students.