Sleep-related worry and its associated factors among shift-work nurses: a cross-sectional study

Objective Shift work is an inherent characteristic of the nursing profession. Its detrimental effects extend beyond the physiological level, yet the resulting sleep-related worry is often overlooked. This study aimed to assess the level of sleep-related worry among shift-work nurses and identify factors independently associated with it. Methods A cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling was conducted among 326 shift-work nurses from January to March 2026. Data were collected using a General Information Questionnaire, the Anxiety and Preoccupation about Sleep Questionnaire, Athens Insomnia Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Multiple linear regression was employed to determine factors independently associated with sleep-related worry. Results The total score for sleep-related worry was 35 (28, 41). Spearman correlation analysis indicated that sleep-related worry was positively correlated with insomnia severity ( r = 0.638, p < 0.001) and occupational burnout ( r = 0.519, p < 0.001), and negatively correlated with social support ( r = −0.254, p < 0.001) and general self-efficacy ( r = −0.309, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that insomnia severity ( β = 0.449, p < 0.001), occupational burnout ( β = 0.154, p = 0.007), general self-efficacy ( β = −0.110, p = 0.013), and use of sleep medication in the past 6 months ( β = 0.151, p < 0.001) were independently associated with sleep-related worry. However, social support was not independently associated with sleep-related worry in the multiple linear regression model. Conclusion Sleep-related worry among shift-work nurses is at a relatively high level. Interventions addressing self-efficacy, burnout, and sleep health should be incorporated into institutional occupational health policies, alongside legislative measures to protect nurses’ psychological health and ensure adequate rest and recovery.