The Relationship between Thermal Comfort and Light Intensity with Sleep Quality and Eye Tiredness in Shift Work Nurses

Abstract

Environmental conditions such as lighting and thermal comfort are influencing factors on sleep quality and visual tiredness. The purpose of this study was the determination of the relationship between thermal comfort and light intensity with the sleep quality and eye fatigue in shift nurses. Method. This cross-sectional research was conducted on 82 shift-work personnel of 18 nursing workstations in Isfahan Al-Zahra Hospital, Iran, in 2012. Heat stress monitoring (WBGT) and photometer (Hagner Model) were used for measuring the thermal conditions and illumination intensity, respectively. To measure the sleep quality, visual tiredness, and thermal comfort, Pittsburg sleep quality index, eye fatigue questionnaire, and thermal comfort questionnaire were used, respectively. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Student's t-test, and Pearson correlation. Results. Correlation between thermal comfort which was perceived from the self-reporting of people with eye tiredness was −0.38 (P = 0.002). Pearson correlation between thermal comfort and sleep quality showed a positive and direct relationship (r = 0.241, P = 0.33) but the correlation between thermal comfort, which was perceived from the self-reporting of shift nurses, and WBGT index was a weak relationship (r = 0.019). Conclusion. Based on the obtained findings, it can be concluded that a defect in environmental conditions such as thermal conditions and light intensity and also lack of appropriate managerial plan for night shift-work nurses are destructive and negative factors for the physical and mental health of this group of practitioners.

The effect of three ergonomics interventions on body posture and musculoskeletal disorders among stuff of Isfahan Province Gas Company

“…This study may also be a preface for more investigations for the development of factors influencing the design of workplace. [ 29 30 31 32 33 ]…”

Association between Workplace Risk Factor Exposure and Sleep Disturbance: Analysis of the 2nd Korean Working Conditions Survey

“…Although it could be difficult to compare the results of this study with those of other studies due to different study methods, in previous studies, results similar to ours have been found. Azmoon et al found that thermal comfort in the workplace was related to high quality sleep in a cross-sectional study [ 38 ]. Workers who have been exposed to organic solvents for a long period of time have a high prevalence of sleep apnea compared with the general population, and this can induce fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and decreased concentration [ 39 , 40 ].…”

Prediction of Computer Vision Syndrome in Health Personnel by Means of Genetic Algorithms and Binary Regression Trees

“…Little is known to date about how shiftwork with VDT affects ocular and visual symptoms. Azmoon et al [22] detected a relationship between thermal comfort, light intensity, sleep quality, and eye fatigue in night shift nurses. No reference is made to the use of VDT in their study.…”

“…The second [15] did not specify whether or not they were health personnel. Azmoon et al [22] concluded that defects in environmental conditions, such as thermal comfort and illumination intensity, increased eye fatigue in night shift nurses; however, the authors’ work was not aimed at the use of VDTs in the workplace and how it affects eye fatigue. Also, in 2019, a review [23] about CVS in radiologists concluded that long hours in front of computer monitors make the work of radiologists quite similar to that of computer professionals.…”