Sleeping while on duty is the number 3 in my top ten of reasons nurses get fired.
In 1910, we slept for an average of 9 hours; by 2002, the average dropped to 6.9 hours per night. Early studies indicate that those Individuals who work nights and rotating shifts rarely obtain optimal amounts of sleep; they may have 1-4 hours less sleep.
This could all add up to a sleep deprived night worker, which could cause a night nurse to nod off while on duty! Or even fall asleep while driving home.
Complications of sleep deprivation
Sleep deprivation can have serious consequences for both the nurse and their patient's safety.
Impaired decision-making, slower reflexes and motor skills, and heightened stress levels are all potential side effects of too little sleep.
Health issues such are diabetes and heart disease could be more prevalent, depression and mood alteration issues are well documented for night shift workers.
Patients could suffer serious consequences from sleep-deprived nurses for example medication errors, slower responses to critical incidents, and even death.
Consequences of sleeping while on duty
For some nurses no matter how much sleep they get during the day, they are unable to stop themselves from 'nodding off' during their night shift.
This causes many co-workers to feel angry and upset, they feel the need to report the napping co-worker to management. In some health care facilities even nodding off on your break time can be considered grounds for termination, the expectation is you should be alert and available to be called upon at any time.
Some will argue that nodding off on your unpaid break should be allowed, unfortunately this argument maybe something your management team will not tolerate.
Suspension, termination and being reported to the Board of Nursing, may occur if you sleep on duty. In some occasions where sleeping or nodding off have caused harm to patients, nurses may end up in court.
Tips to help you stay awake
Caffeine is probably the number one crutch night workers use to stay away. Coffee, diet coke and the 5-hour energy drinks: Be careful you don't become addicted to too much caffeine, try and use it moderately and sensibly.
Get up stretch, walk briskly around, sprint 100 yards if you can which will refresh you immediately.
Drink plenty of water.
Don't remain seated when you feel that overwhelming tiredness, find yourself physical work to do. Computer charting can increase the desire to close your eyes
Eat healthy food; reduce the carbs and high sugar food, which can make you feel sleepy. Try to have small frequent meals if possible rather than one large heavy meal.
Talk to your co-workers, have interesting lively debates.
Sit in an area which is brightly lit.
Try to get as much sleep in the day as possible, use black out curtains and eye masks to reduce the light in the room.
Turn off your phone during the day
If you struggle on night duty, you may need to find a day job.
Current research for night duty nurses
Newer studies support 20 min napping on your break could prevent some of these errors and revitalize the night nurse.
Hospitals around the world are starting supporting this research, although it may be years if ever before U.S. hospitals will set up sleep rooms for nurses!
"Several studies support positive outcomes for on-duty napping for health professionals," noted a 2011 study in Critical Care Nurse, the journal of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
Further suggested Reading
Patient Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses.
Chapter 40. The Effects of Fatigue and Sleepiness on Nurse Performance and Patient Safety Ann E. Rogers
Sleep Rooms can Benefit Nurses on the Night Shift
