Sleep Promotion while in the Hospital
Sleep Promotion while in the Hospital
A patient guide
Sleep can be a problem while staying in the hospital. Hospitals are busy places. Doctors, nurses, and other staff are walking in and out of your room around the clock. An important part of healing is quality sleep. This is a necessary part of your recovery. This handout will give you some tips to help get better sleep and a faster recovery.
Why it is important to sleep:
• Sleep is an important part of restoring energy and healing the body.
• Sleep is the time when cells in your body repair.
• Lack of sleep can lead to a weak immune system. This makes it harder for the body to fight infection.
• Sleep reduces hospital related stress and improves coping.
• Lack of sleep causes less tolerance to pain, confusion, irritability, and restlessness.
How to decrease the noise around you:
• Inform your nurse of any special sleeping habits such as nightlights, a sleeping position, room temperature.
• Ask to have the door shut and lights turned off.
• Use ear plugs or a black out mask.
• Play quiet background music (Channel #10 on TV has calming music).
• Use white noise to cover hospital sounds, like a fan.
• Try to stay awake during the day to keep a normal sleeping schedule.
• Request that your family and friends leave before bedtime and to not visit while you are sleeping.
• Review your care plan with your nurse to find times to sleep without interruption.
What to do if you can’t sleep:
• Identify what is keeping you awake.
• Talk to your nurse or doctor. They can give you ideas for improving sleep. If non-drug ways are not working, sleeping medication may be the next step.
References
Nagal, C.L., Markie, M.B., Richards, K.C., & Taylor, J.L. (2003). Sleep Promotion in Hospitalized Elders. MedSurg Nursing, 12, 279-290.
Richardson, A., & Thompson, A. (2009). Development and implementation of a noise reduction intervention programme: a pre- and postaudit of three hospital wards . Journal of Clinical Nursing, 18, 3316-3324 doi: 10.1111/j.1365- 2702.2009.02897.x
Robinson, B.C., & Cook, K. (2010). The HCAHPS Handbook. Gulf Breeze, FL: Fire Starter Publishing.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 05/30/2012
Copyright © 05/30/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7361
Print Health Fact For You