Sleep, a basic physiological need of all humans, appears to be both integrative and restorative. However, studies have reported that 33-51% of women show a dramatic increase in sleep disturbance in the mid-life years, a time when they enter menopause. The purposes of this study were to (1) explore the prevalence of poor sleep quality in menopausal women; (2) identify the relationship between sleep quality of menopausal women and its related factors; (3) predict the possible explanations of how the related variables affect sleep quality of menopausal women; and (4) provide recommendations for future strategies that aim to improve sleep quality of menopausal women. A cross-sectional, correlation coefficient design was used. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit 197 menopause women from a small town in central Taiwan. T-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression were used for data analysis. The results were as follows: (1) overall, the total score for sleep quality was 5.55 ± 3.47; 57.9% of subjects were identified as good sleepers and 42.1% as poor sleepers; (2) there were significant differences in quality of sleep related to occupational situation, history of chronic disease, menopausal status, number of chronic diseases, and number of menopausal symptoms (t = -3.49, -3.37, p < .01; F = 3.62, p < .05, F = 4.95, 5.35, p < .01); (3) depression and aging were strongly related to quality of sleep (r = .57; .22, p < .01); (4) 36% of variance in quality of sleep can be explained by depression and aging.

Aim. To generate a descriptive theory framework regarding the experiences of sleep disturbances among perimenopausal women in Taiwan. Background. Although studies show that some perimenopausal women are troubled by sleep problems, little information was found about the subjective experiences of sleep disturbances among these women. Research is required to explore women's feelings or perceptions in dealing with their sleep problems. These understandings will be important to help alleviate perimenopausal women's sleep problems. Design. A grounded theory research design was applied. Method. Twenty-one Taiwanese sleep disturbed women, aged 46-57 years, participated in in-depth interviews. Results. 'Getting back a good night's sleep' was the core theme for describing and guiding the process of the women's sleep disturbance experiences. During the process, 'disturbed sleep' was identified as the antecedent condition that included subcategories: easy awakening, difficulty falling asleep, inner worries, physical discomfort and genetic and bodily constitution. Analyses showed five categories (some with subcategories) of the sleep disturbed women: (i) worsening health status -physical exhaustion, impaired social interactions, emotional swings and decreased work performance; (ii) living with lonely nights -selfhelp and endurance; (iii) a search for resources to relieve sleep difficulties -doctor shopping, trying alternative therapies, exercising and seeking support; (iv) vicious cycle and (v) acceptance of insomnia. Conclusions. Women expected to relieve their sleep disturbance by finding comprehensive counselling or by their body constitution responding to treatment. Healthcare providers need to value women's individual concerns and subjective voices. Providers must seek out sleep counselling instead of simply prescribing drugs for their sleep difficulties. Relevance to clinical practice. It is crucial to integrate perimenopausal sleep care by implementing a multidimensional approach such as sleep assessment laboratories, sleep counselling, complementary alternative medicine, sleep strategies and support groups.

This cross-sectional study explored the relationship between professional commitment and job satisfaction among nurses. A total of 132 registered nurses were recruited from a hospital in northern Taiwan. A self-reported structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Findings revealed significant differences among nurses in willingness to make an effort and their marital status, appraisal in continuing their careers, job level, and goals and values related to working shifts. Significant differences were found between inner satisfaction and work sector and marital status. Nurses' professional commitment was strongly related to job satisfaction; aspects of professional commitment explained 32% of the variance in job satisfaction. Study results may inform health care institutions about the importance of nurses' job satisfaction and professional commitment so hospital administration can improve these aspects of organizational environment.