Dear Editor,

I recently read the articles “The association between work burnout and insomnia: how to prevent workers’ insomnia” by Kenichi Kuriyama [1] and “Does engagement help to reduce insomnia when workers are emotionally exhausted?” by Fernández-Salinero, Topa, and Fernández Muñoz [2]. As a psychiatrist from Taiwan, I would like to share my thoughts on applying the insights from these studies to healthcare settings, particularly in managing shift work and preventing burnout and insomnia among healthcare professionals.

In my experience working in a 66-bed unit for patients with chronic mental illnesses, our nursing staff and other healthcare professionals are required to work in shifts. I have observed that some staff members prefer to consistently work night shifts, reporting that having a fixed schedule, as opposed to rotating between day and night shifts, helps them avoid occupational burnout. Many of our nursing staff also use wearable devices to monitor their sleep quality and adjust their schedules as needed.

Kuriyama [1] highlighted that insomnia can seriously impair one’s health, daily and social lives, and cause socio-economic burdens worldwide. Fernández-Salinero et al. [2] discovered that emotional exhaustion is directly and statistically significantly related to insomnia. Their study also revealed that vigor and absorption, factors of work engagement, helped buffer the impact of emotional exhaustion on insomnia.

To address insomnia among our colleagues, our hospital refers them to psychologists for psychotherapy or biofeedback interventions to help alleviate stress. These additional support measures have proven effective in improving work performance and overall well-being.

While Fernández-Salinero et al. [2] offer valuable insights into the association between work burnout and insomnia, I believe that incorporating individual preferences and sleep patterns in staff scheduling could further contribute to reducing burnout and insomnia. By recognizing the importance of consistent schedules and providing support through psychological interventions and biofeedback, healthcare settings can foster a more supportive and efficient work environment.

I would like to express my gratitude to the authors for their insightful research, which has inspired me to consider new strategies for managing shift work and preventing burnout and insomnia among healthcare professionals. I believe that a comprehensive approach, including understanding individual preferences and offering tailored interventions, can significantly enhance the quality of care and job satisfaction in the healthcare field.


Sincerely,

LienChung Wei.