Circadian Disruption and Its Consequences: Mental Health Challenges Faced by Night Shift Nurses in Selected Hospitals in Quezon City

Night shift work disrupts the circadian rhythm of nurses, potentially affecting their mental health. This study investigated the relationship between circadian rhythm disruption and mental health outcomes specifically depression, anxiety, and stress, among 107-night shift nurses in selected public and private hospitals in Quezon City, Philippines. Using a quantitative correlational design, data were collected through standardized questionnaires and analyzed using Pearson correlation. Results revealed a weak but statistically significant positive relationship between circadian disruption and mental health outcomes (r = 0.217, p = 0.025), indicating that increased circadian misalignment was associated with higher levels of psychological distress. Further analysis showed that younger nurses reported greater mental health strain compared with older nurses, suggesting that age may moderate the effects of night shift work on emotional well-being. These findings highlight the occupational health importance of addressing sleep irregularities and circadian misalignment in the nursing workforce. Interventions such as structured schedules, sleep hygiene education, and supportive workplace strategies are recommended to mitigate the mental health risks associated with night shift work. The study provides locally relevant evidence that contributes to global research on shift work, circadian disruption, and occupational mental health.