To Nap or Not to Nap? Medical Managers' Views on Night Shift Fatigue Management.

Abstract

Night shift work is a critical component of healthcare delivery, yet it poses significant challenges to the well-being and performance of healthcare professionals. This qualitative study explores the perceptions of medical managers regarding night shift napping, a potential strategy to mitigate fatigue and enhance patient safety. Using semi-structured interviews with 20 medical managers from various intensive care units at Assiut University Hospital in Egypt, we examined views on the benefits, challenges, and institutional support for sanctioned napping during night shifts. Thematic analysis revealed 3 key themes: (1) perceived benefits of napping; (2) barriers to implementation-such as concerns about professional image, staffing inadequacies, and operational disruptions; and (3) institutional support and policy gaps-highlighting a lack of formal guidelines, inconsistent leadership attitudes, and logistical challenges in creating designated nap areas. While many managers acknowledged the potential benefits of night shift napping, concerns about its practical implementation and impact on workflow persist. The findings suggest that developing clear policies, fostering a culture of safety, and addressing logistical constraints could enhance support for strategic napping as a fatigue management tool in healthcare settings. This study underscores the need for further research and policy development to balance staff well-being with continuous, high-quality patient care.