The Nursing Night Shift Council recently sought a solution to create a more sleep-friendly environment in patient hospital rooms. They addressed safety and environmental challenges related to poor sleep hygiene and the effect it has on patients. Clinical implications in patients who do not get enough rest during the healing process include disorientation, sluggishness, and physical instability. The white noise channel was developed to help patients improve their sleep hygiene.
Nursing team members can discuss with patients the various options available to provide a comfortable sleep environment. In addition to the relaxation loop on channel 72, there is now a white noise option on channel 80. The objective is to reduce some of the normal nighttime sounds present in the hospital setting that may prevent patients from having restful sleep.