subject: How to Prevent Sleepiness: For Nurses on Duty [print this page] Some people go on about just an hour of sleep on a daily basis for consecutive days. It is then possible for humans to survive in that condition, contrary to what others may probably believe. Nonetheless, sleeplessly treading on everyday life is apparently similar to being a dial-up internet connection--it takes quite a while for even very simple data successfully to load in the brain.
If only it is still possible though to be at best condition even with insufficient sleep, then surely many would choose to be awake most of the time. People have been constantly told that an average person needs to get at least 8-10 hours of sleep to function well. Yet one cannot help but feel at times that there are a gazillion other things that can be done with these hours instead of sleeping. Some also believe that quality of sleep is more important than quantity anyway.
However, the effects of insufficient sleep have already been studied and made known all through the years. Lack of sleep has been associated with mood alterations, cognitive problems and physiological changes. Mortality rates have also been found to be higher for people who sleep 8 hours or more than those who sleep less. On a daily basis, several problems may also arise from insufficient sleep, especially among working people who must at all times maintain alertness at the workplace, such as nurses.
Working on night and rotating shifts, nurses apparently sleep less than normal. In their case though, sleepiness presents more risk in their job than in other professions as it may affect their performance and affect patient safety as well. Who knows? Those clich scenes on comedy films where the nurse accidentally uses a wrong medical equipment on a patient may also happen in real life.
Below are then few simple ways on how nurses may take to prevent sleepiness while on duty. These ways have been taught immeasurable times already, but at times some things need to be constantly asserted.
1. Take a power nap. In numerous studies, taking naps have been found to increase alertness and improve performance. However, taking naps may not be allowed during breaks or meal periods among medical practitioners. Nurses can then take a nap before their shift starts and this should only be short though (no more than 45 minutes) to reduce awakening from deep sleep and prevent sleep inertia.
2. Consume caffeine (in moderation).Although caffeine may have a bad reputation, it still remains to be an effective stimulant in increasing alertness. It only needs to be taken in the proper manner. Drinking coffee or tea must then only be done at the beginning of a shift or about an hour before an anticipated sleepiness. Additionally, caffeine must not be taken at least 3 hours before bedtime to prevent the possibility of insomnia. Most important, it must only be consumed when needed, and not when alert. It should also not be taken on a regular basis or when alert because this would only reduce its effectiveness.
3. Drink plenty of water. Water helps prevent dehydration, which increases the feeling of drowsiness. Water should be taken then even when not yet thirsty, to stay energized both while at and outside of work.
4. Go into the light, literally. Light has been found to increase alertness. Sunlight is the most effective; however, artificial light in different levels are also found to induce alertness. Nurses on duty at night may then go into well-lit areas for several hours during the shift.
5. Get enough sleep. Enough said.
No matter how some people may want to avoid sleeping, everyone will go back to slumber at the end of the day. Or for some, at the end of a few days. After all, sleeping is one of the essential physiological needs of humans and can do wonders for our health. Nurses then should not only be adept at properly handling medical equipments andhealthcare tools and watching their patients' wellness, but must be able to take care of their own health as well.
