Ward Noise Levels and Sleep Quality
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Noise Levels and In-Patient Reports of Sleep Quality in a Medical Admissions Unit: A Quantitative Study
IRAS ID
199160
Contact name
Felicity Astin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Huddersfield
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
Environmental noise levels in hospital are exceedingly high and service users from our NHS Foundation Trust frequently feedback that noise levels at night caused sleep disturbance. The limited published research suggests that between 30-50% of people admitted to hospital suffer from significant sleep disturbance. As over 14 million people are admitted to hospital each year in the UK, this is a significant problem. Disturbed sleep is not only linked to negative mental and physical well-being, but is also associated with suffering and increased falls risk.
The NHS Constitution states that health professionals should respond with humanity and kindness to patients' needs and search for things that give comfort and relieve suffering. The promotion of a quiet environment at night, to promote undisturbed sleep, is an important source of patient comfort. Providing harm-free care is a key NHS priority. There are surprisingly few UK studies that report patients' perspectives on sleep in a ward environment or objectively record environmental noise levels. Most studies have been conducted outside the UK and report noise levels that exceed recommended levels.
The overarching aim of the proposed research will be to optimise sleep quality for adults in ward settings, using a Medical Admissions Unit (MAU) as an exemplar. In Phase 1 we will review the literature about interventions that improve sleep quality in ward settings. In Phase 2 a quantitative study will help us understand: i) patients' perspectives on sleep and clinical practices that contribute to sleep disturbance and ii) environmental noise levels at night measured over a four-week period, to compare with WHO guidance. Findings from Phases 1-2 will be disseminated in Phase 3 using both a nurse-led community of practice and educational resources developed for nurses. We are seeking ethical approval for Phase 2 of the research program.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NE/0269
Date of REC Opinion
10 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion