Introduction

Metabolic alterations are linked to biologic rhythms because these cycles control physiologic patterns including sleep/awake, body temperature, blood pressure, and hormones release.

Objective

To identify the relationship between the metabolic syndrome components and the circadian alterations among nursing personnel in a public hospital in Mexico.

Method

This is a correlational study. The sample was constituted of 30 nursing professio nals working in 2 shifts. Data were collected using three registers: a) bio socio-demographic and labor-related backgrounds; b) metabolic syndrome; c) circadian cycle. Chi-square, Pearson’s R, Spearman’s Rho, and Shapiro-Wilk normality test were calculated. The study approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of the Health Institution. The corresponding informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Results

43.3 % of the nursing personnel qualified for the metabolic syndrome diagnostic criteria. 100 % of the nurses working the night shift showed circadian alterations in terms of sleep patterns. Alcohol consumption and high levels of triglycerides were positively and significantly related to insomnia (p ≤ 0.001; p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

The metabolic syndrome is a health problem with a high prevalence in all kinds of nursing personnel. Bodyweight and triglyceride levels were indicators suggesting altered sleep patterns. This situation highlights the importance of designing and implementing strategies aimed at preventing and addressing metabolic syndrome among nursing person nel as a labor health priority.