The Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit
Sleep is a very important part of life both before and after spinal injury. Unfortunately, many aspects of the medical and nursing care that is required in the early stages of spinal injury rehabilitation can disrupt sleep.
Following admission, many people have issues with pain and normal worries which can mean it is often difficult to fall asleep naturally. Others may find that while they can get over to sleep, their sleep is broken by natural wakening, or being woken by the nursing staff for medication or to have their position in bed turned to prevent pressure sores.
People typically find sleeping difficulties hugely frustrating and many would look for a medical solution to the problem. While some may ask their medical consultant for sleeping tablets, these are typically most beneficial being used in the short term and their prescription is undertaken on a case by case basis.
It can often be challenging to get a good sleep in a busy hospital ward. Factors which contribute to this include:
- Caffeine
- Nicotine
- Diet
- Exercise
- Noise
- Room Temperature
- Lighting
- Comfort
- Pain
- Emotional difficulties
Typically, these factors are easily modifiable in your own home but can be harder to influence in the spinal unit, either due to the restrictions of the hospital itself or to the effects of the spinal injury.
Additional information about sleep can be found here:
