Association of Sleep Quality and Stress with Quality of Life Among Nurses Working in Private Hospitals in Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

Background: Sleep is vital for physical and mental health, yet nurses in tertiary care settings often experience poor sleep due to long hours and job stress, affecting cognitive function and overall quality of life (QOL). Limited research has examined the relationship between sleep quality, stress, and QOL among nurses in Kathmandu’s private hospitals. This study aims to explore these associations to inform interventions that enhance nurse well-being and care quality.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October 2022 among nurses in three tertiary-level private hospitals in Kathmandu using purposive sampling. Data were collected via a structured, self-administered standard questionnaires. Data analysis was done using SPSS. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained.

Results: Among 199 nurses, 83.9% reported poor sleep quality, and 69.3% had poor quality of life (QoL). Poor sleep was prevalent across age, marital status, and family type, with higher rates among those with lower education and higher perceived stress. Mean QoL domain scores ranged from 49.48 to 55.53. Good sleep quality was significantly associated with better QoL (AOR=2.362, 95% CI: 1.045–5.339, p=0.039). Absence of perceived stress had the strongest positive association with good QoL (AOR=10.52, 95% CI: 2.18–50.71, p=0.03).

Conclusion: Poor sleep quality and high stress levels are common among nurses and significantly impact their quality of life, with stress being the strongest predictor. Addressing sleep and stress through workplace wellness programs, balanced shift schedules, and customized interventions may enhance nurse well-being and care quality. Further research with larger, diverse samples is recommended