Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the sleep status and effect of night shift work on sleep in nurses.MethodsSleep characteristics and qualities of 348 nurses, 50 communication persons and 100 night-guards were analyzed with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and insomnia was diagnosed based on DSM-IV criteria.Results71.86% of nurses had bad sleep quality (PSQI>7); the rate of insomnia was 38.22%. The same data were 74% and 48% respectively in communication persons, and 26.76% and 7% in night-guards. The sleep quality of nurses was related to age and years of night shift work. The sleep quality of nurses was similar to communication persons (P>0.05), but significantly different from that of night-guards (P<0.01).ConclusionShift work manner influences sleep status of nurses and makes them having disturbances on falling sleep time, the time of sleeping, sleep efficiency and daytime function. But it doesn't need medication.

Key words: nurse, sleep status, night shift work, investigation