Sleep is one thing that is universal to people.

It is a human need and in fact, humans spend a third of

their lives sleeping. It is vital for optimal psychological and physiological functioning. Sleep is essential to
conserve energy, prevent fatigue, and to restore the mind and the body.

While sleep is something that one falls into spontaneously, research studies and health records suggest
otherwise. According to 2015 surveillance report of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
50-70 million Americans are estimated to be suffering from sleep or wakefulness disorder. Moreover,
nearly half of this report snoring and 35% only have more than seven (7) hours of sleep on a typical 24-
hour day. Incidences of drowsy driving and unintentionally falling asleep during the day have been
recorded too. Truly, sleep disorders and deprivation are unmet public health problems. Moreover, it is
linked to vehicular accidents, occupational and medical errors, and industrial accidents.

Currently, increasing public awareness on this health problem is a priority. Ongoing researches about
sleep medicine and somnology (the study of sleep) are being done as well as increase the education and
training of healthcare professionals in handling this health problem.

Sleep Hygiene

In promoting sleep, nurses are mainly involved in sleep hygiene, which refers to the set of interventions
used to improve and promote sleep. Nurses use nonpharmacologic measures to increase the quantity
and quality of clients’ sleep. Sleep hygiene encompasses health education on sleep rituals and habits,
restful environment, comfort and relaxation, and occasionally, use of hypnotic medicines.

Individuals should need to realize the importance of sleep and its relation to fulfillment, productivity,
and activity. Here are seven sleep-promoting tips nurses must share to their clients:

1. Relief for the Sleep-Challenged

For individuals who have difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep, establishing regular bedtime and
wake-up time must be observed strictly. Through this, biologic rhythm is enhanced, and the body slowly
falls into the established routine.

For individuals who are unable to sleep, they must get out of bed and spend some time in another
room. There, they can start some relaxing activities like reading and listening to soft music. They should
continue the activity till they fill drowsy. Bedtime stories can relax children, holding onto a favorite toy
or blanket, and a goodnight kiss.

Of course, some individuals are fond of naps. However, there are few considerations about naps. For
example, a short daytime nap of 15-30 minutes can be restorative for elders and will not interfere with
the nighttime sleep. On the other hand, insomniacs are cautioned to avoid naps.

2. Beating the Hours Before Bedtime

Questions about appropriate activities near bedtime hours are common. In fact, activities are one of the
major factors that can affect sleep. As a rule, dealing with office work and family problems should be
avoided before bedtime. It is also helpful to establish a regular and relaxing bedtime routine composed
of quiet activities like taking a warm bath and reading.

It is important that one associates bedroom for sleep. Therefore, the bedroom should only be used for
sleep and sexual activities. Work materials, television, and computers should be taken out of the
bedroom. Having television and computers inside the room will only strengthen the association
between wakefulness and sleep. Lastly, for individuals who only have the night available for exercising,
avoid excessive physical exertion three (3) hours before bedtime.

Rituals can be supported in institutionalized patients by assisting them with a hand and face wash,
massage, pillow plumping, and even talking about today’s accomplishments and enjoyable events. These
can promote relaxation and peace of mind.

3. Setting Up a Sleep-Inviting Environment

A sleep-conducive environment should have minimal noise, comfortable room temperature, mattress,
and pillows, and appropriate ventilation and lighting. According to studies, music is discouraged because
it is interesting and will promote wakefulness. Extraneous noise from a fan, air conditioner, and white
noise machine must be blocked out. Most people may prefer a darkened environment, but children and
individuals in a strange environment would benefit from a low light source.

For patients in the hospital, factors that can prevent sound sleep include staff noise during shift ,
telephones and call lights, doors, paging systems, and even carts wheeled through corridors. Safety and
comfort can be promoted by raising side rails, placing the bed in a low position, and using night-lights.

4. Diet for Good Sleep

For a good quality of sleep, heavy meals should be avoided 2-3 hours before bedtime. Foods that
contain alcohol and caffeine (e.g. chocolates, coffee, etc.to easily fall) should be avoided 4 hours before
bedtime. Both substances can interfere with sleep because of their diuretic properties. They will cause
individuals to feel the need to void during sleep time. If bedtime snack is necessary, a glass of milk or a
share of light carbohydrates is recommended. Heavy and spicy foods should be avoided because they
can disturb sleep by inducing gastrointestinal distress.

5. Promoting Comfort and Relaxation

These measures are essential to help the client all and stay asleep, especially if an illness is present and
interferes with sleep. Nurses and family members should be concerned and caring during these times.

Interventions that can promote comfort and relaxation include assisting with hygienic routines,
providing loose-fitting nightwear, encouraging voiding before sleeping, and making sure bed linen is
smooth, clean, and dry. Elders are susceptible to feeling cold so encouraging them to wear their own
clothing together with socks or leg warmers instead of hospital gowns can help. A prewarmed bath
blanket or cotton flannel sheets can also be used.
6. Addressing Emotional Stress

It is nearly impossible for individuals who are emotional to fall easily into a deep slumber.
Emotional stress interferes with the individual’s ability to rest, relax, and sleep. Slow and deep breathing
techniques for few minutes can alleviate tension and induce calm. Other techniques that can be taught
include imagery, yoga, and meditation.

7. Medication for Enhanced Sleep

Sometimes, medications are prescribed on per needed basis. Sedative-hypnotics can induce sleep.
Antianxiety or tranquilizers can reduce anxiety and tension. For patients feeling pain, analgesics must be
taken before bedtime to relieve aches and pains. Other medications may cause insomnia so a
consultation with the provider is encouraged.

Medications are only used as a last resort. Caution is advised on over-the-counter (OTC) drugs because
they might have antihistamine components which can cause daytime drowsiness.

These self-promoting measures are actually simple but today’s indulgence for modern technology and
other factors can challenge its strict implementation. There is not a more painful thing than not finding
solace in an activity that is supposed to re-energize you. This is why nurses must be active in their
involvement for sleep promotion. Be a part of someone’s good night sleep by sharing these tips now!

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