The Effect of Dialysis Shift on Depression and Sleep Disturbances in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis

Studies suggest that the hemodialysis (HD) shift on which a patient dialyzes impacts sleep disorders, depressive symptoms, quality of life, and mortality. However, study findings have been limited and inconsistent. The purpose of this project was to determine the relationship between HD shifts (morning, afternoon, and evening), and depression and sleep quality disturbance. Forty-one participants were recruited to participate in this project. Participants on the third shift had the highest levels of depression (M = 11.67) and poorest sleep quality (M = 14.5), compared to those who dialyzed on the first shift, who had the best sleep quality scores (M = 8.31; p = 0.013) and depression scores (M = 4.25). A significant positive correlation was observed between depression and sleep quality scores (r = 0.64; p < 0.001). Results indicate the HD shift can play a significant role in sleep disturbances and depression in patients on HD. Further studies need to be conducted to validate these findings.