Sleep Quality, Occupational Stress and Burnout among Law Enforcement Officers: The Role of Shift work and High Stress Environments

Abstract

Law enforcement officers (LEOs) operate in high-stress environments that often compromise their sleep quality and overall well-being. This study examines the relationships between sleep quality, occupational stress, and burnout among police officers. Utilizing a sample of 100 officers (50 males, 50 females), the study employed three standardized psychological measures: the Sleep Quality Scale (SQS), the Police Work Stress Questionnaire (PSQ-Op), and the Burnout Assessment Tool – Short Version (BAT-S). Data were collected through an online survey, ensuring confidentiality and voluntary participation. The results reveal significant positive correlations between sleep quality and work stress (r = 0.638, p < .001), sleep quality and burnout (r = 0.566, p < .001), and work stress and burnout (r = 0.625, p < .001). These findings indicate that higher occupational stress is strongly associated with poorer sleep quality and increased burnout symptoms. However, an independent samples t-test found no statistically significant gender differences in sleep quality, work stress, or burnout (p > .05), suggesting that both male and female officers experience similar levels of occupational strain. These findings highlight the pressing need for workplace interventions aimed at mitigating stress and improving sleep hygiene in law enforcement. Strategies such as structured shift scheduling, resilience training, and accessible mental health resources could help alleviate the negative effects of occupational stress. Future research should explore long-term impacts and coping mechanisms to develop targeted interventions that promote officer well-being and performance.