Sleep Friendly Ward: A Pilot Project in a Level II Hospital

Date of submission: 29-05-2020 | Date of acceptance: 02-02-2021 | Published: 02-07-2021

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: During illness, good quality sleep can potentiate recovery, since it influences immunity and homeostasis. Hospitalization causes a disturbance in daily routine, with a negative impact on sleep habits. This project aimed to implement measures to minimize sleep disruption during hospitalization in a pediatric ward.

Methods: Prospective and longitudinal study, comprising three phases: evaluation of sleep conditions during hospitalization in the pediatric ward; application of measures to improve sleep; evaluation of the implemented measures. Questionnaires were distributed to caregivers/adolescents and health care professionals and later analyzed on SPSS Statistics23.

Results and discussion: In phase one (n=30, mean age of 4.5 years old), the sleep quality in the pediatric ward was inferior compared to home (sleep classification 0-10, 6.7 vs 8.8; nighttime awakenings 2.1 vs 1.2). Pain, noise, lights, therapeutic administration, alarms and other patients were the main reasons for nighttime awakenings. Health care professionals (n=36) agreed that sleep schedules were needed in the ward. In phase two, several sleep measures were applied: schedules were defined to turn on/off lights and screens, napping was promoted, there was a reduction of noise and alarms during the night, among others. Flyers with healthy sleep habits were distributed. In phase 3 (n=55, mean age of 7.9 years old), the children/adolescents that knew about the project had fewer nighttime awakenings (p=0.03) and better classification of sleep (p=0.02). This project shows that sleep quality in the pediatric ward can be improved and that hospitalization can be an opportunity to learn healthy sleep habits.