Sedative hypnotics are prescribed by a large majority of providers on an as needed basis, and utilized by 31–88 % of hospitalized patients. 9 – 21 In a prospective trial of elderly patients in a Japanese geriatric hospital, it was demonstrated that the 2-year survival for patients who suffered from nighttime insomnia and sleep onset delay was significantly decreased as compared to the survival of normal sleepers, even when age, gender, and their activity of daily living were accounted for. Not only are patients deprived of sleep when hospitalized, but they also may suffer adverse health outcomes or impaired recovery as a result. 13 A larger study performed at three British hospitals demonstrated that though 65 % of the patients reported sleeping well at home most of the time, 63 % of general medical ward patients, 79 % of surgical patients, and 57 % of acute psychiatric ward patients reported difficulty sleeping through the night at the hospital. 12 A study of 100 hospitalized patients in a Canadian general or family practice ward showed that their level of sleep quality was not only worse than that of non-hospitalized US adults, but also comparable to non-hospitalized US insomniacs. 10, 11ĭespite these adverse effects on health and recovery, a number of studies have shown that sleep deprivation remains an incompletely addressed problem among acutely ill patients admitted to hospitals. 1 – 9 There is also evidence that hospitalization is a risk factor for insomnia that remains for months or years after discharge. It increases our risk of illness and slows our recovery from illness. Sleep deprivation is known to have multiple harmful physiological effects, including a decline in immune function, memory, wound healing, vitality and strength, along with increased insulin resistance, pain perception and mortality. Adequate levels of sleep are needed in both health and illness.
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