The effects of hospitalization on the sleep patterns of patients aged 20- 30 years old admitted at a central hospital in Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Sleep is a recurrent, altered state of consciousness that occurs for sustained periods, with restoration of energy and well being. Sleep also provides time for repair and recovery of body systems for the next period of wakefulness.'2 Most young adults sleep 6 to 8 hours a night and this can vary.3 In America at least forty million people suffer from over 70 sleep disorders when hospitalized, and 60 % of the adults report having sleep problems after hospitalization according to the National Sleep Foundation of America 1999-2004 Report.4 Factors that influence alteration of sleep include medication, pain, position in bed, diet, life style, cultural norms, fear of the unknown, environmental, personal and disease oriented factor.5 6 Various studies have shown that both quality and quantity of sleep to be less in hospital than at home. Sleep medications are often the interventions most frequently planned for sleep in hospitals.