Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential for physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning. Insomnia, defined as persistent difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep accompanied by daytime impairment, has become one of the most prevalent sleep disorders worldwide. In occupational settings, insomnia is increasingly recognized as a significant public health issue, affecting worker safety, productivity, and overall well-being.
The relationship between work and sleep is bidirectional. Occupational factors such as shift work, psychosocial stress, workload, and exposure to artificial light can disrupt circadian rhythms and contribute to insomnia. Conversely, insufficient or poor-quality sleep negatively impacts cognitive performance, decision-making, and emotional regulation, increasing the risk of occupational accidents and chronic disease (1,2).
This article explores insomnia in the workplace from an occupational health perspective, incorporating recent evidence on workplace-based interventions and highlighting the role of Occupational Health Nursing.