Sleep Deprivation In Hospital

Sleep and Hospitalization

Getting sufficient sleep is a basic human need and is vital for life. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, sleep is a high priority for survival. Having enough sleep is therefore important to restore body and brain functions, preserve energy, maintain general well-being and prevent illnesses.

The article "Causes and consequences of sleep deprivation in hospitalized patients" written by Stephanie Pilkington is exploring the causes and consequences of sleep deprivation in hospitalized patients. The author provides a brilliant summary of factors that affect the level of sleep experienced by patients in hospitals and the effects of sleep deprivation on the health and the wellbeing of these individuals. The article goes on to state that for sleep-deprived patients, there were bio-cognitive consequences for their health and recovery, with particular effects on immune functioning, inflammation, parasympathetic equilibrium, carbohydrate metabolism and cognitive performance.

Sleep deprivation in hospitalized patients can result in increased morbidity and mortality, and can lower their quality of life. Hospitalized patients require more than the average amount of sleep to aid in recovery, but often get an inadequate amount of sleep or experience poor quality sleep. There are increased frequencies of awakening or being awakened too early in the morning, difficulty falling asleep, an increased need for sleep medications, poor sleep quality, an increase in frequency of napping and nightmares. Sleep-wake cycles contribute to adequate protein synthesis and cellular division that is crucial to sustaining the healing process and maintaining immunity. Sleep deprivation changes normal circadian cycles, resu...

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This article has shown me that new strategies are needed to reduce sleep disturbances, improve sleep quality, and support the need for supplemental daytime sleep in hospitalized individuals. These strategies include monitoring patients’ sleep and assess quality of sleep and duration, resolving the problems of sleep disturbance, recognizing that nighttime noise, light, and other factors potentially interfere with patient sleep, minimize lighting in shared patient rooms and turn off lights earlier at night, frequently assess for pain and administer prescribed pain medications to minimize sleep disruption. This article taught me more about sleep cycles and disturbances in hospitalized patients. As a future nurse, I have to accurately assess the patients’ personal characteristics and health education needs, and share this knowledge with my classmates.