Insomnia in the Workplace: Implications for Occupational Health and the Role of Nursing

Abstract

Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential for physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning. Insomnia, defined as persistent difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep accompanied by daytime impairment, has become one of the most prevalent sleep disorders worldwide. In occupational settings, insomnia is increasingly recognized as a significant public health issue, affecting worker safety, productivity, and overall well-being.

The relationship between work and sleep is bidirectional. Occupational factors such as shift work, psychosocial stress, workload, and exposure to artificial light can disrupt circadian rhythms and contribute to insomnia. Conversely, insufficient or poor-quality sleep negatively impacts cognitive performance, decision-making, and emotional regulation, increasing the risk of occupational accidents and chronic disease (1,2).

This article explores insomnia in the workplace from an occupational health perspective, incorporating recent evidence on workplace-based interventions and highlighting the role of Occupational Health Nursing.

Epidemiology and Occupational Determinants of Insomnia

Insomnia affects approximately 10–30% of the adult population, with higher prevalence among workers exposed to irregular schedules and high job strain (3). Shift workers, particularly those engaged in night and rotating shifts, are at increased risk due to circadian misalignment (4).

Key occupational determinants include:

• Shift work and night work: Disruption of circadian rhythms leading to sleep difficulties (4).
• Psychosocial stress: High job demands and low control are strongly associated with insomnia (5).
• Environmental factors: Noise, temperature, and light exposure negatively affect sleep (6).
• Technological factors: Increased screen exposure and work-life boundary blurring contribute to sleep disturbances (7).

These determinants often interact, increasing vulnerability among workers.