Effect of Work-Related Behavior and Experience Patterns on Sleep Quality in Emergency Medical Service Personnel

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to examine the influence of work-related behavior and experience patterns on sleep quality in emergency medical service personnel (EMSP). Methods From the total sample of 508 emergency medical service workers who took part in the Germany-wide online survey, 368 respondents completed the questionnaires on sleep characteristics (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)) and work-related behavior and experience pattern (AVEM). 367 out of the 368 participants also finished the Regensburg Insomnia Scale (RIS). Results Based on their AVEM results, individuals were categorized into one of the four following patterns: two risk-patterns (A, B), and two healthy behavior and experience patterns (G, S). Participants that were classified into risk-pattern A and B (33.85%) scored significantly higher in both PSQI and RIS overall score and all PSQI components implicating a poorer sleep quality. 78.5% of the individuals with pattern A and B were considered bad sleepers whereas only 43.4% of individuals with pattern G and S were scored as bad sleepers. Conclusion Work-related behavior and experience patterns showed a strong association to sleep characteristics and may therefore be used to identify appropriate preventative measures.