Impact of perceived fatigue on sleep quality among critical care nurses in a selected hospital.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue and tiredness significantly affect sleep duration and timing, especially in critical care nurses working consecutive shifts without adequate rest. Symptoms such as lethargy, tiredness, and a constant need for sleep are commonly linked to fatigue and insufficient sleep, which can compromise nurse performance and patient care. This study aimed to evaluate fatigue and sleep quality among critical care nurses, explore their correlation, and examine associations with demographic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quantitative, nonexperimental descriptive correlational study was conducted among 100 critical care nurses at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre from January to March 2023. Data were collected using the Fatigue Assessment Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Statistical analysis, including Chi-square tests, was performed using SPSS version 16, with significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The analysis revealed no significant associations between most demographic factors and fatigue or sleep quality. However, age showed a statistically significant correlation with both fatigue and sleep quality (χ² = 16.298, P = 0.038). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the link between increased perceived fatigue and sleep disturbances among critical care nurses. Targeted interventions to address fatigue and enhance sleep quality are crucial to improve nurse well-being and patient care outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of addressing occupational fatigue in critical care settings.