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Background The SNORE ( S leep D eprivation among N ight shift health staff O n R otation- E valuation) study evaluated the effects of sleep deprivation on healthcare professionals working rotational night shifts. Given the association between sleep deprivation and cognitive impairment, this sub-study examined the prevalence of cognitive impairment and its relationship with sleep deprivation in a tertiary care hospital. Methods A cross-sectional study included 293 healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, paramedics). Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) during day and night shifts. Sleep deprivation was evaluated via the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (EPSS) and self-reported sleep hours. Statistical analysis employed the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for shift-wise cognitive score comparison and multivariable logistic regression to explore the relationship between sleep deprivation and cognitive impairment. Results Cognitive impairment prevalence during night shifts was 23.5%, with nurses showing slightly higher rates (26.2%). Cognitive scores were significantly lower during night shifts (median 28) compared to day shifts (median 29). Sleep deprivation was significantly associated with cognitive impairment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.78 [1.01–3.16] for EPSS; 9.20 [2.16–39.23] for self-reported sleep hours). Male participants exhibited higher odds of impairment than females (aOR: 2.30 [1.19–4.47]). Conclusion Sleep deprivation significantly impacts cognitive function in healthcare workers, with more pronounced effects during night shifts. These findings underscore the urgent need for interventions promoting sleep health and optimizing working conditions in healthcare settings.
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Nirupama et al. (2025) studied this question.