Comfort, rest and sleep
Concept clarification
Sleep: a reversible state of inactivity where there is a lack of interaction with the
external environment
Comfort: a state in which is person is relieved of stress
Rest and sleep
Sleep is a basic physiological need which is essential for normal body functioning and
takes up to 30% of our lives
Comfort and rest are integral to sleep
Sleep requirements differ according to age: babies require more than 12hrs of sleep
whereas the elderly often sleep less than 6hrs per day
An average adult sleeps 7-8hrs per day
During sleep the body repairs itself, the occurrences of the day are relived and
reorganised in dreams and temporary relief from anxiety and stress is provided
Factors affecting rest and sleep
Illness: disease decreases sleep and disturbs normal sleep wakefulness patterns
e.g. pain, shortness of breath, blocked nose/draining sinuses, certain diseases
(encephalitis, liver failure)
Urinary excretion: a full bladder may interrupt sleep
Environment
New/unfamiliar sounds may disturb sleep, an uncomfortable environment or
deviations from the normal sleep environment may disrupt sleep patterns
Lifestyle: a change in routine/lifestyle such as working day/night shift alternatively
Fatigue: a more tired person may tend to have shot naps rather than a deep sleep
Temperature: the body’s ability to regulate is affected by sleep
Exercise
Exercise up to 2hrs before sleep improves sleep whereas exercise any closer to
bedtime may disturb sleep
Emotional problems and anxiety may disturb sleep as the person cannot relax enough to
fall asleep
Medication: some facilitate sleep whereas others can disturb sleep patterns
Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and causes diuresis
Alcohol disturbs the sleep cycle, bad dreams may be experienced and can cause a lack of
sleep/irritability
Snoring can cause extreme embarrassment (a person may not sleep to avoid snoring)
Nutritional status: weight gain/loss are associated with changes in the sleep pattern
Concept clarification
Sleep: a reversible state of inactivity where there is a lack of interaction with the
external environment
Comfort: a state in which is person is relieved of stress
Rest and sleep
Sleep is a basic physiological need which is essential for normal body functioning and
takes up to 30% of our lives
Comfort and rest are integral to sleep
Sleep requirements differ according to age: babies require more than 12hrs of sleep
whereas the elderly often sleep less than 6hrs per day
An average adult sleeps 7-8hrs per day
During sleep the body repairs itself, the occurrences of the day are relived and
reorganised in dreams and temporary relief from anxiety and stress is provided
Factors affecting rest and sleep
Illness: disease decreases sleep and disturbs normal sleep wakefulness patterns
e.g. pain, shortness of breath, blocked nose/draining sinuses, certain diseases
(encephalitis, liver failure)
Urinary excretion: a full bladder may interrupt sleep
Environment
New/unfamiliar sounds may disturb sleep, an uncomfortable environment or
deviations from the normal sleep environment may disrupt sleep patterns
Lifestyle: a change in routine/lifestyle such as working day/night shift alternatively
Fatigue: a more tired person may tend to have shot naps rather than a deep sleep
Temperature: the body’s ability to regulate is affected by sleep
Exercise
Exercise up to 2hrs before sleep improves sleep whereas exercise any closer to
bedtime may disturb sleep
Emotional problems and anxiety may disturb sleep as the person cannot relax enough to
fall asleep
Medication: some facilitate sleep whereas others can disturb sleep patterns
Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and causes diuresis
Alcohol disturbs the sleep cycle, bad dreams may be experienced and can cause a lack of
sleep/irritability
Snoring can cause extreme embarrassment (a person may not sleep to avoid snoring)
Nutritional status: weight gain/loss are associated with changes in the sleep pattern
