A study has shown that proper sleep, nutrition and exercise play an important role in determining mental and physical well-being. A recent study investigated the effects of lifestyle changes on the physical and mental health of emergency medicine workers at a large tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and their relationship to well-being. The results show that characteristics such as sleep quality, nutrition, and physical exercise are important in determining the well-being of ED workers.

The study found that nighttime sleep quality was the strongest predictor of well-being among ED workers, accounting for 12.2% of the variation in well-being ratings. This finding is consistent with previous research demonstrating the negative consequences of sleep deprivation on healthcare workers. ED staff work some night shifts scheduled into their rota, which disrupts their normal circadian rhythms, leading to sleep disturbances and negatively affecting both physical and mental health. Shift work, especially night shifts, disrupts the body’s internal clock, leading to poor sleep quality, increased risk of metabolic disorders, and cognitive impairment. This disruption has long-term effects on overall well-being and can contribute to the development of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, healthcare workers, especially those in emergency and critical care settings, often work irregular and long shifts, resulting in sleep problems and high stress levels. Similarly, Tucker et al. Poor sleep quality has been shown to be associated with burnout, emotional exhaustion and poor job satisfaction among emergency healthcare workers. Garcia et al. highlighted that burnout among HCWs often leads to fatigue, poor sleep, unhealthy eating and reduced motivation for physical activity. Targeted interventions aimed at promoting sleep hygiene, such as changing work schedules to allow for more consistent sleep patterns, can significantly improve the well-being of ED workers. Mind-body interventions, including mindfulness and yoga, are effective in reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and promoting better physical and mental health outcomes. These practices can help HCWs cope with the demands of their jobs while developing healthy lifestyle habits. The literature also highlights the importance of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia in reducing sleep problems and improving mental health outcomes among health care professionals.

Physical exercise was a strong predictor of well-being, consistent with previous research showing that physical activity has a protective effect on mental health. A previous meta-analysis found that frequent physical activity was associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety among HCWs. It has been found that even moderate physical activity can reduce the harmful effects of job-related stress on ED workers. The decrease in physical activity indicated by 49.7% of participants emphasizes the importance of workplace programs that promote physical exercise. Evidence from workplace wellness programs suggests that including short exercise breaks or offering access to on-site fitness facilities can increase physical activity and improve overall well-being. This technique can be especially effective in high-stress settings such as emergency rooms.

Quality of nutritional intake was the second strongest factor in predicting well-being, accounting for 7.8% of the variance in well-being ratings. The study found that ED workers had poor dietary habits, which is consistent with previous studies showing that HCWs often struggle to maintain a healthy diet due to frequent work schedules and limited access to nutritious foods during shifts. It has been found that poor dietary habits among HCWs are associated with increased fatigue, poor cognitive function and higher rates of obesity. Increasing access to healthy food options in the workplace, such as providing fresh fruits, vegetables and balanced meals in hospital cafeterias or vending machines, can have a positive impact on physical and mental health. Furthermore, encouraging nutrition education and awareness initiatives for health care workers can improve food choices and contribute to better overall health outcomes.

Overall well-being scores in the study were moderate, with participants expressing a range of mental states. This is consistent with previous research indicating that HCWs, especially those working in high-stress areas such as EDs, often experience variations in mood and emotional well-being. This relationship between lifestyle factors (eg, sleep quality, physical activity, and diet) and mental well-being emphasizes the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to health that includes both physical and mental aspects. Providing adequate support to ED staff, access to wellness programs, and encouraging a culture of self-care can help mitigate the negative effects of lifestyle changes.