Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sleep problems pose global public health concerns, particularly among nurses, with approximately two-thirds experiencing sleep disturbances and fatigue. Although poor sleep hygiene and fatigue can impair nurses' performance and alertness, increasing work-related accidents, chronic diseases, absenteeism, burnout, and medical errors, ultimately threatening both nurses' well-being and patient safety, no studies have been conducted in Ethiopia. This study assesses sleep hygiene practices and perceived fatigue, examines their associations and associated factors among nurses. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 nurses via simple random sampling. Data collected using self-administered Sleep Hygiene Index, Chalder Fatigue Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaires analyzed with SPSS Version 26.0. Bivariate, multivariate, and Pearson correlation analyses were done. RESULTS: The study revealed that 52.3% and 89.3% of nurses had poor sleep hygiene practices, and perceived fatigue respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between poor sleep hygiene and fatigue (r = 0.67, P < 0.001). Burnout syndrome (AOR = 4.51, 95% CI: 2.60, 8.05), depression (AOR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.53, 4.09), current alcohol drinkers (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.25, 3.08), shift work sleep disorders (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.82), poor sleep quality (AOR = 5.04,95% CI:2.33,9.52), and job-related stress (AOR = 3.54, 95% CI: 1.76-6.98) were associated factors. CONCLUSIONS: Over half of nurses had poor sleep hygiene, and highly experienced perceived fatigue. A significant positive correlation was found between poor sleep hygiene practices and fatigue. Thus, promoting good sleep habits to manage and prevent fatigue among nurses are crucial.