How neuroscience nurses can improve the quality of sleep for patients on a neurosurgical ward

Sleep is a basic human need. It is suggested that it contributes to immune function. The sleep of hospital patients is often disrupted as a result of the environment and clinical interventions. Inadequate sleep for patients can result in further complications and a longer hospital stay. Inadequate amounts of sleep can hinder recovery and outcomes, particularly from a cognitive perspective. Nurses need an in depth understanding of sleep to help them promote healthy sleep. This article aims to understand the importance of sleep in the neurosciences patient. It aims to review the current evidence and clinical practise relating to sleep and provide recommendations for clinical practice with a view to improving the quality of sleep achieved by patients on neuroscience wards. The article concludes that the multidisciplinary team should be more involved in managing sleep, including rationalising interventions, pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies.