Nursing Interventions and Strategies for Enhancing Sleep Quality in Hospitalized Patients: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Background: Sleep quality is crucial for the recovery of hospitalized patients, as inadequate sleep can lead to negative health outcomes such as prolonged recovery, increased pain perception, and psychological distress. Environmental factors in hospitals often disrupt sleep, necessitating effective nursing interventions to enhance sleep quality.

Methods: This comprehensive review and meta-analysis examined existing literature on nursing interventions aimed at improving sleep quality in hospitalized patients. A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, using relevant keywords and MeSH terms related to sleep disorders and nursing interventions. Studies were evaluated for their impact on sleep quality using standardized instruments such as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Sleep Medicine History and Sleep Questionnaire (SMHSQ).

Results: The analysis revealed that several nursing interventions significantly improved sleep quality among hospitalized patients. Notably, the use of earplugs and eye masks, relaxation techniques, music therapy, and aromatherapy demonstrated positive effects on both sleep duration and quality. However, substantial heterogeneity was noted among studies, indicating variability in intervention effectiveness and research methodology.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that targeted nursing interventions can effectively enhance sleep quality in hospitalized patients. Despite the promising results, the study highlights the need for more rigorous, randomized controlled trials to establish clear evidence regarding the efficacy of specific interventions. The diverse methodologies and small sample sizes in many studies limit the generalizability of these findings, emphasizing the necessity for further research in this area.