Assessment of Sleep Duration, Quality, and Daytime Functioning Among Nurses Working Rotating Shifts at the Federal Medical Centre Birnin Kebbi, North West Nigeria

Background: Rotating shift work disrupts circadian sleep-wake rhythms and is associated with chronic sleep insufficiency, daytime dysfunction, and adverse health outcomes in healthcare workers. Nigerian nurses at district and federal health facilities endure demanding rotating shift schedules that frequently compromise sleep quality and daytime alertness. Data from North West Nigeria on this issue are sparse. Objectives: This study aims to measure sleep duration and quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and assess daytime functioning using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale among nurses on rotating shifts at the Federal Medical Centre Birnin Kebbi, comparing outcomes with day-shift-only nursing staff. Methods: Sixty rotating shift nurses and thirty fixed day-shift nurses will be recruited. Sleep duration will be self-reported over a two-week diary period and cross-validated against Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index global scores. Daytime functioning will be assessed by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Questionnaires will document shift frequency, commuting time, and domestic responsibilities. Mann-Whitney U tests and Spearman correlation will be applied. Expected Outcomes: Rotating shift nurses are expected to report significantly shorter sleep durations, higher global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores, and greater daytime sleepiness compared to day-shift nurses. Conclusion: Findings will guide evidence-based shift scheduling policies to protect nurse health in federal health institutions in North West Nigeria. Keywords: rotating shift work, sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, nurses, Birnin Kebbi.