Enhancing Inpatients' Sleep in Oncology Care Settings: Examining Factors Impacting Nurses' Practices

Sleep disturbances are prevalent among cancer patients and can often persist or worsen during hospital stays. However, nurses' practices to promote oncology patients' sleep during hospitalization and factors affecting their sleep promotion practices are not well understood.

This study aimed to examine nurses' behaviors to promote oncology patients' sleep during hospitalization and associated factors.

An exploratory descriptive correlational research design was used. Bedside registered nurses in inpatient oncology settings were invited to complete an online survey consisting of a demographic questionnaire, self-reported questionnaires, and open-ended questions. Bivariate tests and multivariable linear regression were conducted to identify relationships between study variables. Qualitative and quantitative content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data.

A total of 201 nurse participants were included. Nurses' sleep knowledge significantly predicts their sleep promotion behaviors, attitudes, and perceived control to improve inpatients' sleep (P < .05). Nurses' sleep hygiene practices also affect their perceived control over enhancing patients' sleep (P < .05). Qualitative findings reflected positive nurses' attitudes to improving patients' sleep. However, various barriers emerged, and recommendations were provided to facilitate enhancing patients' sleep in hospitals.

Nurses have positive attitudes toward improving oncology patients' sleep. However, increasing their sleep knowledge and sleep hygiene is important for effective practice.

To enhance nurses' sleep knowledge, nurse educators can incorporate sleep related topics, including sleep hygiene practices, into nursing education. Furthermore, it is important for nurse leaders to focus on adopting strategies that empower nurses to effectively implement sleep promotion interventions.