Key result
Taking two 15-minute naps during a night shift significantly lowered the LF/HF ratio compared to no nap (5.83 vs 7.44, p<0.001), though it did not significantly reduce subjective sleepiness.
Why the study?
Do two 15-minute naps improve subjective sleepiness, fatigue, and heart rate variability in night shift nurses?
Population
15 nurses working a night shift in a three-shift system
Comparison
Two 15-minute naps during the night shift vs Working without taking a nap during the night…
Design
Other
Follow-up
during the night shift
Authors
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Should not yet change napping practice for night-shift nurses; leaves open whether autonomic effects improve fatigue or outcomes.
RCT (n=15)
Open-label
Randomized
Yes
Do two 15-minute naps improve subjective sleepiness, fatigue, and heart rate variability in night shift nurses?
Absolute Event Rate: 5.83% vs 7.44%
p-value: p=<0.001
Taking two 15-minute naps during a night shift may reduce physiological tension by suppressing sympathetic nervous activity, despite no significant changes in subjective fatigue.
Oriyama et al. (2013) conducted an RCT in Night shift work fatigue and sleepiness (n=15). Two 15-minute naps vs. No nap was evaluated on LF/HF ratio (6:00 to 9:00) (p=<0.001). Taking two 15-minute naps during a night shift significantly lowered the LF/HF ratio compared to no nap (5.83 vs 7.44, p<0.001), though it did not significantly reduce subjective sleepiness.
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