Background: Sleep is a critical component of existence and vital for the rejuvenation of the body. A minimum of 7 h of sleep is needed for adults for optimal wellness. In the present condition, extended periods of wakefulness are a common occurrence. Such wakefulness can be acute total sleep deprivation or chronic partial sleep restriction. Both forms can negatively impact cognitive abilities. It is prevalent among nursing professionals, who play a vital role in health care, remaining alert during working hours, especially night shifts.
Aims and Objectives: This study aims to examine the effects of altered sleep patterns on working memory among nursing personnel working day and night shifts.
Materials and Methods: The necessary documents for conducting the study were obtained from the institution and the participants. For this cross-sectional study, 31 nursing staff, age group of 25–40 years, males – six, and females – 25 were chosen according to the selection criteria. They were posted to wards on rotational day and night shifts. Rey–Osterrieth figure copy and recall test (Rey–Osterrieth complex figure test [ROCF]) was used for assessing working memory. The performance was based on a copy score and a recall score.
Results: A paired “t” test with one-way repeated within the subject analysis of variance test was applied for analysis. Recall scores of ROCF were significantly less. Copy scores of ROCF were also less but statistically insignificant.
Conclusion: The present study showed that the recall scores were significantly less in nursing professionals at the end of the night shift duration indicating poor working memory.
Key words: Cognition; Nursing Staff; Night Shift; Psychomotor Skills; Rey Osterrieth Test; Sleep Deprivation; Working Memory
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