Mediating effect of circadian rhythm between work stress and sleep quality in Chinese shift‐working nurses: A cross‐sectional survey

AIM: This study examined the mediating effect of circadian rhythm amplitude (LV) and stability (FR) between work stress and sleep quality among Chinese shift‐working nurses (SWNs). DESIGN: A cross‐sectional study. METHODS: Three‐hundred and seventy‐nine nurses working in shifts were investigated by convenient sampling from six hospitals in Shanghai, China. The mediating effect was analysed using the structural equation model with bootstrapping procedures. RESULTS: Work stress could directly affect shift nurses' sleep quality and indirectly affect sleep quality through circadian rhythm amplitude and stability. The total indirect effects of work stress on sleep quality accounted for 36.7% of the total effect. The study revealed that poor sleep quality is very common among SWNs, which deserves attention. The mediating effect of the circadian rhythm provides new insights to improve sleep quality, not only by lightening the work stress but also by improving circadian rhythm in SWNs.