Sleep to heal
A good night’s sleep is an important part of your recovery. While you are in hospital, we will do everything we can to create a calm environment that supports rest and healing.
Hospitals can be busy places and some overnight observations, treatment and urgent care cannot be delayed. However, we will make every effort to reduce unnecessary disruption and help you maintain your usual sleep pattern as much as possible.
Quiet hours: 10pm–6am
During quiet hours, please help us maintain a calm and quiet ward environment so that patients can rest and recover.
What you can do
You can support your sleep by:
- Keeping your phone on silent
- Using headphones for music or videos
- Letting your nurse know if pain or discomfort is keeping you awake
- Using the earplugs and eye masks available on your ward
- Trying to stay active during the day, where possible
- Choosing decaffeinated drinks later in the day
- Following your usual bedtime routine where you can
- Keeping anything you may need during the night close at hand
- Turning down your light when you are ready to sleep
What we will do
Our staff will:
- Help create a calm ward environment
- Keep noise to a minimum
- Reduce unnecessary interruptions overnight
- Support your rest and recovery
- Check whether you need pain relief or anything else before you settle
- Reduce bright lighting where possible
- Respond to alarms and call bells promptly
- Keep non-urgent activity to a minimum during quiet hours
Can’t sleep?
Please tell your nurse if you are finding it difficult to sleep.
We may be able to:
- Make you more comfortable
- Help with pain or other symptoms
- Reduce unnecessary disturbances
- Offer earplugs or an eye mask
- Answer any questions or concerns that may be affecting your sleep
Why sleep is important
Sleep helps your body:
- Heal after illness or surgery
- Support your immune system
- Restore energy
- Improve mood and wellbeing
- Support rehabilitation and recovery