The attitudes of student and registered nurses to sleep promotion in hospitals

This study explored the attitudes of student and registered nurses regarding sleep promotion in hospitals. Qualitative data were obtained using semistructured interviews with volunteer samples and subsequently transcribed and analysed. The findings showed that the study participants held generally positive attitudes to sleep as a curative and beneficial medium. However, for many there were clear blocks to their practice, including the attitudes of others, the ward culture and routine orientation of care, resulting in sleep promotion having a low priority. The implications of the findings include the need to foster staff awareness and practice of this element of care, particularly through managers who have to take responsibility for encouraging a positive ethos towards sleep promotion.