A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON PATIENTS’ SLEEP EXPERIENCE DURING HOSPITALIZATION IN THE MEDICAL WARDS OF AN ACUTE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Aim: To explore patients’ experiences and perceptions of their sleep during hospitalization in the medical wards of an acute hospital. Background: Sleep is an important physiological function essential to life that serves to restore one’s health. This is of greater importance in inpatients as their ill status requires more rest. However, it was frequently reported by inpatients to have poor sleep, which could impede recovery. Hence, it is necessary to understand their perspectives experiences regarding their sleep in order to promote better sleep and recovery. Methods: Descriptive qualitative design was used. Fifteen inpatients were recruited through purposive sampling, from 4 medical wards of an acute hospital. Patients were hospitalised for at least 2 nights. Individual, face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted until data saturation. Audio-recordings were transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis guided by Colazzi’s method. Findings: Four themes were identified: (1) The environment influences the quality of sleep; (2) Physiological and psychological factors may alter sleep patterns; (3) Nurses play a role in sleep promotion and disruption’ and (4) Strategies to improve sleep experiences. Themes were elaborated by 16 subthemes and supported with participant quotes. Conclusion: There is complex interplay of factors affecting inpatients’ sleep and are dependent on one’s experiences. This study strengthens the notion that while patients are generally satisfied with their sleep, sleep was perceived to be poorer than at home. They attributed various environmental, physical and psychological encounters as causes of disruption and strategies to promote sleep. Implication: Further research is required to investigate across demographics, languages, strategies and other healthcare staff. It also highlights the need for better sleep management for patients and education for healthcare professionals ix in terms of prevention, minimizing and coping with sleep-affecting stressors to facilitate recovery and provide a better experience.