Analyze the impact of circadian rhythm disruption on the emotional and psychological well-being of healthcare staff in hospitals due to night shift work.

We collected data through anonymous and voluntary surveys from 250 healthcare workers in Guayaquil, Ecuador. This survey measured the severity of circadian rhythm disruption (Circadian Desynchronization Scale - CDS) and emotional and psychological well-being through the following: stress (Perceived Stress Scale), anxiety symptom intensity (Generalized Anxiety Scale), and depression severity (Beck Depression Inventory). The analysis will be conducted using the Chi-square test to examine the relationship between circadian rhythm disruption and emotional and psychological well-being.

The participants involved in this research are between 25 and 55 years old, 60% of them are women, and the age group most affected by circadian rhythm disruption is 25 - 34 years old. The CDS showed a significant relationship with stress (χ2 = 6.14; p < 0.05), as well as with anxiety (χ2 = 7.35; p < 0.05) and depression (χ2 = 6.54; p < 0.05).

The study reveals a connection between sleep quality due to working night shifts and emotional and psychological disorders, which is directly proportional: the greater the circadian rhythm disruption, the higher the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in this population. This relationship highlights the importance of intervening to improve the work schedules of healthcare personnel to prevent sleep disorders that negatively impact their emotional well-being.