Orthopaedic patients' experiences of their sleep during hospitalisation and suggestions for improvements

Purpose

To describe orthopaedic patients' perspectives on their sleep quality and their suggestions for improvement initiatives to achieve better sleep quality during hospitalisation.

Methods

In a qualitative design, 265 (50%) of 533 patients from a questionnaire survey responded to two free-text questions. Data were analysed based on a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach inspired by Paul Ricoeur's theory of narrative and interpretation.

Results

Three themes emerged: 1) Sleeping environment and preferences tailored to the individual patient, 2) The link between orthopaedic surgery care and sleeping, and 3) Noise challenged a good night’s sleep. Good sleep was related to nurses' professional behaviour and the physical environment, such as quality beds and sleeping aids. Single and shared rooms, room lighting, and fresh air all influenced sleep quality. Unfamiliar and uncomfortable sleeping positions posed a challenge for orthopaedic patients but aids such as pillows, and duvets could provide more comfort at night. Offset circadian rhythms could affect sleep quality, as could nausea and vomiting. Pain and lack of pain relief were associated with poor sleep quality. Noise from both nurses and other patients affected sleep quality. Therefore, unnecessary care activities should be kept to a minimum, and a “night noise level” was suggested.

Conclusion

Patients' sleep disturbance following orthopaedic surgery needs to be addressed by both nurses and hospital management. Patients’ involvement is essential to create a sleep environment tailored to individual needs and to provide strategies patients use at home for addressing sleeping problems.