An evaluation of sleep disturbance on in-patient psychiatric units in the UK. (21st June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Horne, Sam; Hay, Katherine; Watson, Stuart; Anderson, Kirstie N.
• Is Part Of: BJPsych bulletin. Volume 42:Number 5(2018)
• Page Start: 193
• Page End: 197
• Publication Date: 2018-06-21
• Subjects: Sleep disturbance, -- accelerometry, -- in-patient psychiatry; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 616.8905
• DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2018.42
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-4694

Abstract

Abstract : Aims and method: Sleep disturbance is common on in-patient psychiatry wards. This study explored subjective and objective patterns of sleep disturbance and contributory environmental factors. Participants were recruited from mental health acute admission wards and had a range of subjective and objective assessments of sleep. Light intensity and noise levels were measured to characterise potential environmental causes for poor sleep. Results: We recruited 20 patients; 15% were high risk for obstructive sleep apnoea. Nineteen participants reported poor sleep quality on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and 90% had significant sleep fragmentation with objective measures. Inside light levels were low (day <200 lux and night <10 lux). Night sound levels were 40–90 db. Clinical implications: Sleep disturbance was highly prevalent. Increased awareness of sleep disorders is needed. Modifiable environmental factors on the ward were implicated, therefore increased awareness and a change of approach to sleep disturbance in in-patient psychiatry is recommended. Declaration of interest: None.