Is it Noise? Factors Linked With Sleep Interruption in Hospitalized Patients

Purpose/Aim The aim of this study was to explore the perceived quality of sleep and sleep disturbances in hospitalized patients. Design A prospective descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional study was conducted at a 172-bed community hospital in Northeast Ohio. A convenient sample of 100 hospitalized patients was recruited from medical/surgical, progressive care, and intensive care units. Methods Participants used the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire to report sleep. A quality of sleep assessment survey was used to collect information regarding 17 factors leading to decreased quality of sleep. Results Mean sleep score was 47.92 for each question regarding sleep depth, latency, awakenings, time spent awake, and overall sleep quality. Pearson's correlation showed a significantly positive correlation between measure of noise and sleep score. Five environmental factors were identified as most disruptive to sleep: pain, laboratory draws, staff, blood pressure checks, and intravenous alarms. Conclusion The positive correlation between sleeping well and higher noise levels is noteworthy. Raising awareness about the importance of sleep in the hospital setting and introducing interventions to promote a quiet environment and minimize sleep-disturbing factors may increase patient satisfaction scores and improve healing.