The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Quality of Life in Medical Staff

Abstract

Background: The study aims to examine the impact of sleep deprivation on medical staff, who work night-shifts and / or 24 hours on the symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress and quality of life. Methods: This is a quantitative, cross-sectional study. The research instruments used are the DASS-42 questionnaire for measuring the level of symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress and the quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL-Bref). In the study sample participated N = 199 medical staff from several specialties. Inclusive criteria are: medical staff, who work night-shifts and / or 24 hours; age 23 - 67 years; have not been previously diagnosed with anxiety disorder and episodes of depressive disorder. Results: Referring to the DASS-42 scoring, the symptoms of depression in the medical staff are: normal 64.8%, mild 8.5%, moderate 21.1%, severe 4.5% and extremely severe 1%. Symptoms of anxiety results: normal 53.3%, mild 8%, moderate 17.1%, severe 14.1%, extremely severe 7.5% and stress symptoms results: normal 54.3%, mild 18.6%, moderate 17.1%, severe 9% and extremely severe 1%. Total WHO- Quality of life (F = 3.447, p≤.05) and physical health (F = 6.482, p≤.05) show significant differences between the educational level. Conclusions: Working night- shifts and / or 24-h affects the mild and moderate onset of symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. The level of stress symptoms is perceived higher in women. Quality of life and physical health are considered the best in medical staff with postgraduate education.