Relationship Between Rotating Shift Work, Sleep Quality, And Periodontal Status Among Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Rotating shift work may disrupt circadian rhythms and impair sleep quality, potentially influencing immune-inflammatory responses and periodontal health. This study evaluated the association between rotating shift work, sleep quality, and clinical periodontal status among healthcare workers.
Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 265 healthcare workers aged 20–60 years recruited during a defined study period. Participants were categorized as rotating shift workers (Group I; n = 123) or regular day-shift workers (Group II; n = 142). Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Clinical periodontal parameters, including Plaque Index, bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL), were recorded at six sites per tooth. Periodontal status was classified according to the 2017 World Workshop classification.
Results: Rotating shift workers demonstrated higher mean values for all periodontal parameters. Mean PPD and CAL were significantly greater in Group I than Group II (6.64 ± 0.52 vs. 4.31 ± 0.41 mm and 4.18 ± 0.67 vs. 2.82 ± 0.56 mm, respectively; P < 0.001). Plaque Index and BOP did not differ significantly between groups.
Conclusion: Rotating shift work was associated with poorer clinical periodontal status among healthcare workers.