Efficacy of Digital and Mobile Interventions on Sleep Quality in Nurses
Overview
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 studies involving 2,321 nurses found that digital and mobile interventions significantly improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia severity and daytime sleepiness. Additionally, these interventions decreased depression, anxiety, and fatigue, though no significant effect was observed on work-related stress.
Background
Nurses often experience poor sleep quality due to high-intensity shifts, occupational stress, and disrupted circadian rhythms, which can negatively impact their health and patient care quality. Digital and mobile health interventions, such as smartphone apps and wearable devices, offer accessible and cost-effective methods to improve sleep hygiene and psychological well-being. Despite their growing use, evidence specifically evaluating their efficacy in nursing populations has been limited and inconsistent. This review aims to systematically assess the impact of these interventions on sleep and related psychological outcomes in nurses.
Data Highlights
Outcome
Effect Size (MD or SMD)
95% Confidence Interval
Direction
Sleep Quality (PSQI)
MD = -2.94
-5.22 to -0.66
Improved
Insomnia Severity (ISI)
MD = -3.32
-5.19 to -1.45
Reduced
Daytime Sleepiness (ESS)
Not specified
Significant reduction
Reduced
Depression
SMD = -0.46
-0.80 to -0.13
Reduced
Anxiety
SMD = -0.29
-0.44 to -0.14
Reduced
Fatigue
SMD = -0.41
-0.75 to -0.07
Reduced
Work-related Stress
Not significant
Not significant
No effect
Key Findings
Digital and mobile interventions significantly improved nurses' sleep quality as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
Insomnia severity was notably reduced following intervention, indicated by lower Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores.
Daytime sleepiness, assessed by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), decreased significantly in intervention groups.
Psychological symptoms including depression, anxiety, and fatigue were also alleviated by these interventions.
No significant improvement was observed in work-related stress levels.
The evidence is limited by variability among studies and a relatively small number of high-quality trials.
Clinical Implications
Digital and mobile health interventions represent promising, accessible tools to improve sleep quality and psychological well-being among nurses, who face unique occupational challenges affecting sleep. Incorporating these interventions into nursing practice could help mitigate sleep disturbances and associated mental health symptoms, potentially enhancing patient care and workforce stability. However, clinicians should consider the current evidence limitations and await further high-quality research to guide implementation.
Conclusion
Digital and mobile interventions appear effective in improving sleep and reducing psychological distress in nursing professionals, though further rigorous studies are needed to confirm these benefits and optimize intervention strategies.
References
Efficacy of Digital and Mobile Interventions on Sleep Quality in Nursing Professionals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
