Sleep quality among healthcare providers during conflict crisis in the Gaza Strip: A cross-sectional study

Background Healthcare providers working in conflict zones face unique occupational and psychological challenges that significantly impair sleep quality. In the Gaza Strip, prolonged exposure to violence and humanitarian crises exacerbates these challenges, yet data on the sleep health of this critical workforce remain scarce. Objective This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of sleep disturbances among healthcare providers at Nasser Medical Complex during the 2023–2025 Israel-Gaza conflict, and to examine associations between sleep quality and psychological distress. Methods A purposive sample of 400 healthcare providers (70% nurses, 20% physicians, 10% non-medical staff) completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and a sociodemographic questionnaire between May and July 2025. Descriptive statistics evaluated sleep quality prevalence and scores. Results Thirty-five percent of participants reported poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5). Additionally, 40% reported sleeping less than 6–7 hours nightly. Sleep disturbances were frequent, including difficulty initiating sleep (50% reporting problems weekly or more), nighttime awakenings (60%), loud snoring (37.5%), and breathing pauses (20%). Physical discomfort during sleep—such as back pain and breathing difficulties—was prevalent. Married participants and those with 11–15 years of experience reported greater sleep disturbances. Conclusions Sleep disturbances are alarmingly common among Gaza’s healthcare providers in conflict settings, closely linked with psychological distress. These findings underscore the urgent need for integrated mental health and sleep interventions, occupational health screenings, and infrastructural support to safeguard provider wellbeing and healthcare delivery sustainability in protracted crises.