Exploring the Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Nurses' Performance and Patient Care

Abstract

Background: Lack of sleep is an enormous problem in health care, especially amongst those professionals working on shift, especially, the nursing staff. It was said to affect cognitive process, decision making and the physical abilities, with effects on patient safety errors.

Aim: The approach taken in this study is to consider ways to approaches resulting from nursing shift scheduling, improvements in the workplace, and technological developments to minimize sleep-related mistakes.

Methods: The literature was therefore searched to Establish the causes of sleep loss amongst nurses and to assess strategies for addressing these problems.

Results: Some of the strategies include shift working and changing of shift schedules, sleep hygiene measures and Fatigue Countermeasures Technologies FCTs. Engaging the nurses in rostering also improves compliance with rest-related policies as well as employees engage in problem solving.

Conclusion: An overview of sleep deprivation interventions Increases nurse competence, decreases medical mistakes, and increases patient protection In clinical care environments.