NURSES RESPONSIBILITIES IN PROMOTING REST/ SLEEP

INTRODUCTION
Rest and sleep restores a persons energy allowing individual to resume optimal functioning and
in performing necessary activities. Without rest and sleep, the ability to concentrate, make
judgements and participate in daily activities decreases and irritability increases. Providing
restful environment for patients is an important function of nurses because rest and sleep are
essential for health.

Getting enough quality of sleep at the right time can help protect individual mental health,
physical health, quality of life, and safety. Sleep needs are determine by different factors, mainly
age, individual and genetic characteristics e.t.c

REST
This can be defined as calmness or relaxation without emotional stress and freedom from
anxiety. The meaning of rest varies among individual e.g some says listening to music when
lying down is restful, some read books or novels in a fresh air environment, while some takes a
long walk.

SLEEP
It is the state of partial or full unconsciousness in people during which voluntary functions are
suspended and the body rest and restores itself.
It can also be defined as a normal stated of altered consciousness during which the body rest. It is
characterized by decreased responsiveness to the environment, and a person can be aroused from
it by external stimuli.
Factors affecting sleep
1. Motivation
2. Physical activity and exercise
3. Dietary habits
4. Alcohol intake
5. Caffine containing beverages
 6. Smoking
7. Environmental factor

GENERAL WAYS OF PROMOTING REST AND SLEEP

There are different tips of promoting rest and sleep. The nurse can include these tips when
advising patient on discharge. The tips are
1. Establishing a regular bed time and wake up time for all days of the week to prevent
disruption
2. Bed should mainly be use for sleep
3. Adequate exercise should be done during the day to reduce stress but excessive exercise
should be avoided two (2) hours to bed time
4. Avoid dealing with office work or family problems before going to bed
5. There must be appropriate lightening, temperature and ventilation in the room or
environment
6. Noise must be minimal
7. Avoid heavy meal three hours before bed time
8. Fluid intake must be decreased two-four (2-4) hours before going to bed
9. Intake of alcohol and caffeine must be avoided at least four (4) hours before bed time.
(because caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics, creating the need to void during sleep time)
10. Analgesics can be taken before bed time to relieve aches and pains
11. Use of sleeping medications should be last resorts.
NURSES RESPONSIBILITY IN PROMOTING PATIENT’S REST AND SLEEP

1. Assist or encourage the patient to void before bed time.

2. Bed linen must be smooth, clean and dry
3. Ensure patient is on loose fitting night wear
4. Patient should be assisted with hygienic routine e.g bathing before sleeping
5. Medications must be served as early as possible, especially diuretics to prevent nocturnal
awakenings
6. Analgesics should be administered thirty minutes (30 minutes) before sleep for patients
who have pain.
7. Window curtains should be closed if street light shine through
8. Over head lighting should be reduce or eliminate
9. Curtains between patients in semi-private and larger room should be closed.
10. Adhere to agency policy