Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

Fall 10-5-2026

Abstract

Background: Night-shift nurses are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to circadian disruption, poor sleep quality, and unhealthy dietary patterns. Inadequate intake of potassium and magnesium, combined with excessive sodium consumption, may contribute to elevated cardiovascular risk in this population.

Objective: To compare dietary intake of magnesium, potassium, and sodium between day-shift and night-shift nurses during workdays and days off and evaluate nutrient intake relative to current dietary recommendations and cardiovascular risk.

Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted using dietary records from 21 nurses working rotating schedules (3 workdays and 3 days off). Daily magnesium, potassium, and sodium intakes were analyzed for workdays, days off, and the overall 6-day period. Descriptive statistics summarized nutrient intake patterns, and independent-samples t-tests compared nutrient intake between day- and night-shift nurses. Findings were interpreted in the context of current literature on nutrition, sleep, and cardiovascular health.

Results: Sodium intake exceeded the American Heart Association (AHA) recommended limit of 2,300 mg/day in both shift groups across all observation periods, with the highest intake observed among night-shift nurses on days off (4,138.71 mg/day). Potassium intake remained below recommended levels in both groups and was consistently lower among night-shift nurses. Magnesium intake was similar between groups (approximately 319–349 mg/day) and generally met the Recommended Dietary Allowance for many women but may have been insufficient for some men. Independent-samples t-tests found no statistically significant differences between day- and night-shift nurses for magnesium (p= .961), potassium (p= .542), or sodium (p= .309). Large standard deviations indicated substantial variability in dietary intake.

Conclusion: Both day- and night-shift nurses demonstrated dietary patterns associated with increased cardiovascular risk, characterized by excessive sodium intake and insufficient potassium intake. Night-shift nurses exhibited less favorable dietary patterns, particularly on days off. Although statistical differences between shift groups were not observed, the findings support the need for workplace nutrition interventions to promote healthier food choices. Future studies should include larger samples and incorporate sleep quality and cardiovascular measures to further evaluate the relationship between shift work, nutrition, and cardiovascular health.

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