RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SLEEP QUALITY AND PERCEIVED PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS IN LITHUANIAN CLINICAL NURSES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

When sleep quality is one of the most important factors in determining a person's quality of life, it puts carers at increased risk of sleep disorders. It should be noted that without provoking factors (psychological stress), predisposing factors alone would not cause sleep disorders. The aim of the study was to identify and assess the association between psychological stress and sleep quality among nurses working in Lithuanian healthcare institutions. The results of the study showed that almost one in two nurses working in Lithuanian healthcare institutions is at risk of sleep disturbance and experiencing high levels of psychological distress. The analysis of the data showed that psychological stress is significantly correlated with poorer sleep quality among nurses working in Lithuanian healthcare institutions (r = -0.4, p < 0.001). In order to reduce psychological stress and improve sleep quality among nurses working in Lithuanian healthcare institutions, our study recommendations should be targeted at eliminating risk factors for psychological stress and rationalising the use of coping methods.