Turnicity as a determining factor in the occurrence of insomnia in the working population

a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Insomnia is the most frequent sleep disorder in the adult population with a prevalence of around 30% being responsible for the deterioration in the quality of life. At work level, shift work is the main risk factor associated with the onset of insomnia. Despite its clinical relevance, it usually goes unnoticed by healthcare professionals due to lack of time, resources or informa- tion. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of shift work in the occurrence of insomnia in the working population. Methods: Systematic review following the PRISMA statement. A bibliographic search using the DeCS terms “Insomnia”, “Occupational Health” and “Shift Work” was carried out in the Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL databases, as well as in other sources such as the base of doctoral thesis data (TESEO). Articles published until November 2019 in English and Spanish were inclu- ded. The methodological quality was evaluated through the CONSORT and STROBE guides. Results: 13 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. The methodological quality of the articles was high (STROBE: 18/22, CONSORT: 20/25). Based on the selected records, a prevalence of insomnia related to turnicity between 25% and 53% was identified. The du- ration and rotation of the shifts work influenced the onset of insomnia, with 12-hour shifts or fast and forward rota- tion systems being more beneficial. Other factors such as stress, anxiety, perceived health, healthy lifestyles and to- xic habits, workplace accidents, fatigue or workload level were analyzed together with the turnicity. Conclusions: Insomnia influenced by turnicity is a public health problem worldwide that affects the quality of personal and work life. The characteristics and the con- text in which the work takes place in shifts, sometimes to- gether with other factors, influence this affectation.