[Methods used in the hospital for patients' sleep improvement]

The purpose of this article is to describe methods used in the hospital for sleep improvement. The article is based on a study of patients' sleep in a Finnish hospital's medical or surgical ward. The patients of the Central Hospital of Northern Carelia's two medical and two surgical wards took part in the research. The data were collected by a structured questionnaire in May-June 1996. Of the replies of 181 patients, the results of 177 were taken to the final analysis. The data were analysed by statistical methods. The data and the results are presented in frequency and percent distributions. The most common method used by the patients to improve their sleep was to choose a good sleeping position. Other methods, which were often used, were reading, watching TV, having a snack, taking a warm shower or praying. The nurses were versatile in using the available methods of nursing for helping the patients to sleep. They informed the patients about their illnesses, nursing regime and the forthcoming operations, consoling and giving support to them. The nurses also organised sleep-supporting environment and gave painkillers and sleeping pills. About 60% of the researched patients were of the opinion, that sleeping tablets were prescribed too often. The patients themselves regarded the information and knowledge about their own treatment as the best way to improve their sleep.