Prevalence of Insomnia and Daytime Sleepiness among Healthcare Professionals: A Cross-sectional Study
Abstract
Objectives: To analyse the prevalence of insomnia and daytime sleepiness among healthcare professionals working at a tertiary-level hospital in Barcelona.
Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous survey administered to healthcare professionals at Hospital Clínic of Barcelona between January and April 2025. The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI; range 0–28) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS; range 0–24) were applied, together with sociodemographic variables (age, sex, work shift, and professional category). Frequencies were calculated and comparisons between groups were performed.
Results: A total of 154 complete questionnaires were analysed. The sample was predominantly female (81.8%), with the most frequent age group being 41–50 years (33.8%). The overall prevalence of insomnia was 83.8% (45.5% mild, 33.8% moderate, and 4.5% severe). Insomnia prevalence was higher among men than women (89.3% vs 82.5%), although this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.381). Insomnia was more frequent in participants aged <50 years compared with those aged ≥50 years (88.6% vs 77.3%;p=0.058), with no significant differences according to work shift. Pathological daytime sleepiness was observed in 41.6% of participants and was slightly more frequent in women (42.9% vs 35.7%;p=0.488). Daytime sleepiness was more prevalent among participants aged ≥50 years (45.5% vs 38.6%), with significantly higher mean ESS scores (10.23 ± 4.24 vs 8.76 ± 4.94;p=0.025).
Conclusions: This study reveals a high prevalence of insomnia and daytime sleepiness among healthcare professionals, reinforcing the need to implement specific strategies for the detection, prevention, and promotion of sleep health within the hospital setting.
References
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