ePrints

Feasibility and utility of enhanced sleep management on in-patient psychiatry wards

Lookup NU author(s): Emma Packer, Dr Ambrina Roshi, Dr Kirstie Anderson

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.

Abstract

Copyright © The Authors 2020.Aims and method Sleep disturbance is common in psychiatry wards despite poor sleep worsening mental health. Contributory factors include the ward environment, frequent nightly checks on patients and sleep disorders including sleep apnoea. We evaluated the safety and feasibility of a package of measures to improve sleep across a mental health trust, including removing hourly checks when safe, sleep disorder screening and improving the ward environment. Results During the pilot there were no serious adverse events; 50% of in-patients were able to have protected overnight sleep. Hypnotic issuing decreased, and feedback from patients and staff was positive. It was possible to offer cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia to selected patients. Clinical implications Many psychiatry wards perform standardised, overnight checks, which are one cause of sleep disruption. A protected sleep period was safe and well-tolerated alongside education about sleep disturbance and mental health. Future research should evaluate personalised care rather than blanket observation policies.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Novak C, Packer E, Paterson A, Roshi A, Locke R, Keown P, Watson S, Anderson KN

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: BJPsych Bulletin

Year: 2020

Volume: 44

Issue: 6

Pages: 255-260

Print publication date: 01/12/2020

Online publication date: 24/04/2020

Acceptance date: 24/02/2020

ISSN (print): 2056-4694

ISSN (electronic): 2056-4708

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

URL: https://doi.org/10.1192/bjb.2020.30

DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2020.30

Altmetrics

Share