A quasi-experimental study into the effects of naps and therapy glasses on fatigue and well-being

Aim: 

To investigate the effects of a napping facility and therapy glasses on fatigue and well-being at the end of the night shift. 

Background: 

Night shift work has adverse effects on fatigue and well-being. 

Methods: 

A quasi-experimental study was conducted, and data were collected on 243 night shifts of 95 nurses who had either access to a napping facility, therapy glasses, both facilities or no facilities. Multilevel analyses were conducted to predict fatigue and well-being. 

Results: 

Night shifts of nurses having access to both facilities were associated with less fatigue and more well-being. The use of therapy glasses related negatively to fatigue and positively to well-being. The use of the napping facility was not associated with fatigue and well-being. However, having slept while napping and sleeping time during napping were negatively associated with fatigue and positively associated with well-being. 

Conclusion: 

Therapy glasses and sleeping in a napping facility can be effective interventions in reducing the adverse effects of night shift work. Implications for Nursing Management: Therapy glasses seem an effective investment to facilitate the well-being of nurses. To enhance sleeping during napping, it is worthwhile to let nurses get accustomed to the napping facility and customize settings to personal preferences.