Efeito do Rosmarinus officinalis L. na qualidade do sono e níveis de cortisol de profissionais de enfermagem de serviço de emergência

Abstract

Introduction: Introduction: Working in the emergency service requires constant attention and immediate decision-making from the professional, situations that, added to the work context, can harm the quality of sleep and result in chronic stress. The objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of the use of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) on the quality of sleep and hair cortisol of nursing workers in the emergency service. Method: This is an intervention study, almost experimental, carried out in a hospital emergency room and in an Emergency Care unit in a municipality in the northwest region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul. Data collection took place from September to November 2022, using an occupational sociodemographic questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and 2 cm hair samples to assess hair cortisol. Nursing assistants, nursing technicians and nurses who had worked in emergency services for at least one month were included. The intervention was carried out with 500 mg rosemary dry extract capsules, ingested twice a day for 56 days. The analysis occurred in a descriptive and analytical way, with the aid of statistical software, considering p<0.05 statistically significant. Association and correlation tests were used. Ethical aspects were respected. Results: 35 workers who worked in emergency services participated in the study, aged between 27 and 61 years, average of 39.67 years (± 7.58), prevalence of females (85.7%; n=30) and technical position in nursing (77.1%; n=27). There was a significant increase (p=0.039) in sleep quality classified as good, considering before and after intervention. A significant association was identified between cortisol levels and the use of sleeping medication (p=0.017) after the intervention. Direct and positive correlations were evidenced before the intervention with the number of employment contracts and, after the intervention, working hours, sleep quality and cortisol did not show a significant difference. The alternative hypothesis was partially confirmed, as there was a significant improvement in sleep quality after the intervention. Conclusion: The data presented indicate that the intervention with rosemary improved the quality of sleep, but was not sufficient to reduce cortisol values, making other strategies necessary to contribute to the worker's health. Contributions to nursing: The study contributes with data regarding nursing work in emergency services and can contribute to planning actions that promote worker health through integrative health practices.