Night Shift, Day Shift, No Shift Off: Why Nurses’ Sleep Matters More Than Ever.

On 12 May, we mark International Nurses Day - a chance to recognise the incredible people who care for us through long shifts, late nights and everything in between. But there's one thing nurses, medical staff and other shift workers often find hardest to do for themselves: get a good night's (or day’s) sleep.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, we've partnered with The Sleep Charity to shine a light on how shift work affects rest and, more importantly, what can help.

You're not alone in finding sleep difficult

Sleep challenges are far more common than many people realise, and if you're struggling, you're not alone. Around 4 in 10 adults experience sleep difficulties, and recent research from The Sleep Charity suggests as many as 9 in 10 people struggle with their sleep in some way. It's also thought that millions of people across the UK may be living with undiagnosed sleep disorders without even realising it.

What's perhaps most telling is that many people live with disrupted sleep for years before reaching out for support, often because tiredness becomes so familiar it starts to feel normal.

Sleep and mental wellbeing are connected

There's a reason we all feel a little more emotional after a poor night’s rest. Sleep and mental health are closely connected, and consistently poor rest can make it harder to manage stress, stay focused and feel like yourself.

For nurses, who already give so much emotionally during their shifts, protecting sleep is one of the most powerful forms of self-care there is. Better rest supports clearer thinking, steadier mood and the resilience to keep doing the meaningful work they do.

Fatigue and safety

It's well understood that tiredness affects how we function, our concentration, reaction times and ability to make decisions. For healthcare professionals, who are often called upon to think clearly under pressure, this makes rest not just a personal priority but a professional one too.

It's also worth remembering that fatigue doesn't clock off at the end of a shift. The journey home after a long or overnight stretch can be tiring, and it's always worth considering whether a short rest before driving might make that trip safer and less stressful.

The physical toll of running on empty

Sleep is when the body does its most important restoration work, repairing, recovering and preparing for the day ahead. The benefits of good sleep go far beyond simply feeling less tired.

Regularly prioritising sleep has been linked to better heart health, a stronger immune system and improved overall physical wellbeing. For nurses who spend their days caring for others, protecting their own health through rest is one of the most important things they can do — for themselves and for the people they look after.

It's not selfish to prioritise sleep. It's one of the kindest things you can do for yourself.

Why shift work makes sleep harder

Shift work disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm - the internal clock that tells us when to sleep and wake. Rotating between day and night shifts can leave the body in a constant state of confusion, making it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep and feel rested.

Add in the stress that often comes with a demanding role, something that three quarters of workers say affects their sleep, and it's easy to understand why so many shift workers find rest difficult.

Small changes that can make a big difference

While shift work isn’t going away, there are practical ways nurses and medical staff can protect their sleep and, in turn, their mental wellbeing.

Creating the right sleep environment is one of the most powerful - and often overlooked - steps.

A bedroom that feels calm, cool and comfortable can help signal to the body that it’s time to rest, even in the middle of the day. Soft, breathable bedding, supportive pillows and layers that help regulate temperature can make it easier to fall - and stay - asleep.

Consistency also helps. Even with changing shifts, building a wind-down routine - whether it’s a warm shower, reading or gentle stretching - can cue the brain that sleep is coming. Light plays a crucial role too. Blocking out daylight with curtains or eye masks after night shifts, and limiting exposure to bright screens before bed, can support better-quality rest.

Napping, when used strategically, can also be beneficial. Short naps before night shifts or during breaks (where possible) can help reduce fatigue without affecting longer sleep periods.

And perhaps most importantly, recognising when support is needed. Sleep struggles are common - but they shouldn’t be something anyone has to simply ‘push through’.

Caring for those who care for us

Nurses spend their days - and nights - looking after others. But their own wellbeing matters just as much.

Improving sleep isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating small, supportive habits and environments that make rest more achievable, even in demanding roles.

Because better sleep doesn’t just benefit the individual - it supports safer care, stronger mental health and a more sustainable workforce.

This National Nurses Day, it’s time to recognise sleep for what it truly is: essential care, not a luxury.

If you’re struggling, The Sleep Charity has a National Sleep Helpline with trained advisors ready to listen and support. Call 03303 530 541 Monday – Thursday, 9am – 11am. Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, 7pm – 9pm