Purpose : The study aimed to investigate the association between emotional dysregulation, sleep quality, and light-related behaviors among shift workers. It focused on whether specific light-related behaviors are statistically associated with the relationship between sleep quality and emotional dysregulation.

Design/Methodology/Approach : A total of 171 shift workers in the Delhi National Capital Region participated in the study through convenience sampling. The participants provided their responses on self-report scales assessing difficulties in emotion regulation, light exposure behavior assessment, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Group comparisons and mediation analyses were conducted to examine associations among the study variables.

Findings : Participants with poor sleep quality were found to have increased levels of emotional dysregulation and higher scores on all five light behavior subscales. Indirect analysis revealed statistically significant indirect effects via four out of five subscales, namely blue-light filter wear, mobile phone/smartwatch use in bed, pre-sleep light use, and light use in the morning/daytime. The indirect effect via time spent outside was not statistically significant.

Practical Implications : The findings highlighted the importance of considering sleep quality, emotional dysregulation, and light-related behaviors in workplace wellness. However, the observed associations did not establish causal effects, and workplace behavioral interventions require further experimental evaluation.

Originality/Value : This study examined the relationships between sleep quality, emotional dysregulation, and light exposure from a behavior-specific point of view by analyzing five separate light behaviors rather than using a single composite scale score.

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