Yunpeng Wu, Tao Cheng, Luying Zhong, Changqi Ye
Our findings suggest that over half of nurses experience insomnia, though considerable heterogeneity warrants caution in interpretation. Moreover, work unit was identified as a significant moderator. These findings highlight the urgent need for routine sleep screening and evidence-based interventions to address the high insomnia burden in this occupational group.
BACKGROUND: Although the prevalence of insomnia in nurses has been extensively studied, reported estimates vary considerably across studies. This meta-analysis of observational studies was conducted to determine the pooled prevalence of insomnia and to explore its potential moderators in nurses.
METHODS: A computerized literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PsycINFO from inception to June 2026. A random-effects model was used to generate pooled prevalence estimates, along with 95% confidence intervals and prediction intervals. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic, and subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to identify its potential moderators.
RESULTS: Based on 51 studies from 19 countries encompassing 36,971 participants, the pooled prevalence of insomnia in nurses was 55.0% (95% CI: 49.2-60.8, 95% prediction interval: 15.8-90.8%, I2 = 99.1%). Subgroup analyses and meta-regression demonstrated that work unit was a significant moderator of the pooled prevalence (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that over half of nurses experience insomnia, though considerable heterogeneity warrants caution in interpretation. Moreover, work unit was identified as a significant moderator. These findings highlight the urgent need for routine sleep screening and evidence-based interventions to address the high insomnia burden in this occupational group.