‘Sorry, were you sleeping? Nurses’ role in the promotion of sleep for critically ill patients

Abstract

Background: During critical illness sleep is important for immune function and restorative processes. Despite theoretical evidence and scientific understanding of the effects of sleep deprivation in the critically ill, research is yet to be entirely translated into institutional practices and department cultural norms.Objectives: This article was adapted from an undergraduate essay that considered the nurse’s role in addressing fragmented sleep in critical care patients’.Method: The databases, PubMed, CINAHL and Science Direct were searched using the keywords sleep, critical care and nurs* resulting in the inclusion of 15 journal articles. Also utilised were nursing prescribed texts and professional websites.Results: Sleep deprivation has a multitude of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, however the healthcare environment has been established as the most common cause of sleep fragmentation.Conclusions: A paradigm shift in nursing and institutional culture is required to implement sleep promotion research and strategies to minimise adverse outcomes for patients.