Introduction: Nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs) face high levels of stress due to frequent exposure to critical and end-of-life situations. This can result in death anxiety and poor sleep quality, both of which negatively affect their well-being and job performance. This study investigates the relationship between death anxiety and sleep quality among ICU nurses in West Azerbaijan.

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 ICU nurses selected through stratified random sampling from hospitals in West Azerbaijan. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Templer Death Anxiety Scale (TDAS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Statistical analysis, including Pearson correlation and multiple regression, was performed to examine the relationship between death anxiety and sleep quality. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The mean death anxiety score among nurses was 37.5 ± 8.9, with female nurses reporting significantly higher scores than male nurses (39.2 ± 8.7 vs. 33.8 ± 9.2, p < 0.001). The average PSQI score was 9.3 ± 3.4, indicating poor sleep quality in 73% of participants. A positive correlation was found between death anxiety and PSQI scores (r = 0.56, p < 0.001), and death anxiety was a significant predictor of poor sleep quality (β = 0.42, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: This study highlights a strong association between death anxiety and poor sleep quality among ICU nurses. Addressing these issues through training, supportive work environments, and mental health interventions is essential to enhance nurses' well-being and patient care quality.