Sleep is a complex neurological process essential to physical and mental well-being. Sleep deprivation can have serious consequences for affected individuals. Poor sleep for hospitalised patients, particularly in critical care, has long been recognised as affecting recovery. Older adults are also affected by chronic sleep disturbances. Impaired sleep is both a risk factor for, and symptom of, many psychiatric disorders.

The long-term effects of disrupted sleep due to shift work are now being acknowledged, and have particular relevance for nurses. Understanding the neurobiology of sleep helps nurses follow good sleep hygiene practices for themselves and promote them for their patients. It also helps to explain the actions of drugs that promote sleep and those that cause sleep disruption as an adverse effect. 

After completing this online learning activity and quiz, you should be able to:

• Describe the normal stages of sleep and neurological control of these.
• Outline the functions of sleep and consequences of acute and chronic sleep deprivation.
• Discuss common sleep disorders and changing sleep requirements with growth and aging.
• Describe behavioural and pharmacological interventions that promote healthy sleep.