"Work Stress and Sleep Disturbances among Nursing Faculty in Selected Colleges of Thiruvananthapuram: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study"

Abstract: Background: Nursing faculty face increasing professional responsibilities including teaching, clinical supervision, administrative work, and research activities. These demands often contribute to occupational stress, which may adversely affect sleep quality.

Aim: To assess the level of work stress and sleep disturbances among nursing faculty and determine the relationship between them.

Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 30 nursing faculty members from selected nursing colleges in Thiruvananthapuram using convenient sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires on demographic variables, work stress, and sleep disturbance scales. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and mean score analysis.

Results: The overall mean work stress score was 3.21 ± 1.30, indicating moderate stress. Major stressors included inadequate colleague support (3.60), administrative stress (3.37), and physical tiredness (3.37). The mean sleep disturbance score was 2.78 ± 1.43, also indicating moderate disturbance. Difficulty in falling asleep (3.13), tiredness after sleep (3.10), and frequent night awakening (3.03) were prominent issues.

Conclusion: Nursing faculty experience moderate levels of occupational stress and sleep disturbances. Institutional interventions are essential to improve faculty well-being and professional efficiency.