TRAINING & EDUCATION Drifting Off
Martyna Jabłońska, Head of Sleep Services at Sleep Scotland, explains the wider implications of residents’ getting a good night’s rest and explains how training can help carers to ensure this.
Sleep is a critical aspect of overall health and wellbeing, yet it is oſten overlooked or given low priority. In care settings, this has the potential to severely impact adults with complex needs who oſten experience sleep issues at a higher rate than those without. If unaddressed, this can have considerable negative impacts on their physical, mental and emotional health.
Care homes play a crucial role in promoting good sleep and improving the health outcomes of residents, so by prioritising sleep support and promoting sleep-friendly environments, care homes can help these residents to achieve better sleep, which in turn can lead to improved health and quality of life.
UNDERSTANDING SLEEP At its most basic, sleep is a biological process that plays a vital
role in physical health and wellbeing. During sleep, our bodies repair and regenerate cells, allowing us to recover from physical exertion and injuries. While sleeping, our body consolidates the day’s memories and balances hormones, regulating bodily processes such as the immune system and metabolism.
In addition to physical health, sleep plays an important role in mental and emotional wellbeing. A good night's sleep can
help to improve focus and problem-solving skills and enhance creativity. Sleep also helps to regulate our mood, reducing stress and anxiety.
A lack of sleep can lead to decreased communication skills, irritability, and impaired judgement. Poor sleep is also linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Furthermore, ongoing sleep deprivation can lead to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
ADULTS WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS Adults with complex additional needs, such as those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, oſten experience additional issues with their sleep due to a variety of factors. These may include physical conditions, medication side effects, sensory sensitivities, and emotional or behavioural difficulties. Unfortunately, poor sleep is a compounding issue, and this sleep loss can impact their quality of life, leading to increased behavioural and health problems, which can further affect their sleep.
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www.tomorrowscare.co.uk
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