If you were to describe your own sleep quality in a single word, what would it be? Well, if the sixth annual Global Sleep Survey is anything to go by, ‘inconsistent’ is the likely answer. Conducted by Resmed, the sleep apnoea specialist, the survey found that 53% of respondents slept well just four nights a week or less, with fewer than one in three people sleeping well every night.
It’s a worrying trend – especially when applied to the care sector, where the relationship between sleep and health is often at its most acute. From fatigue and increased fall risk to irritability, anxiety and reduced appetite, poor sleep quality touches almost every aspect of the resident experience – bringing with it a raft of long-term health risks. So, what proactive steps can care providers take to ease their residents into a restful night’s sleep?
It’s important to remember that a bed is more than somewhere residents sleep. For some residents, this will be the place where they spend much of their day and it’s why care providers need to consider not only sleep but also overall comfort.
As you might expect, each resident experiences comfort differently and, just like anyone else, each has their own unique preferences. While one resident might feel reassured in a bed fitted with side rails, for instance, another might find those same side rails restrictive or claustrophobic. For these residents, an open side might be more reassuring, but this might also require a crash mat to reduce fall risk. Others might prefer adjustable beds that sit closer to the ground.
All of which is to say, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to bedroom comfort. To achieve the best health and wellbeing outcomes, each resident must be treated as an individual – and that means listening to them and their loved ones to understand how best to support their needs without compromising on their safety. Encouragingly, experience tells us that a system that supports residents also supports care workers – ensuring that they’re caring for residents who are more alert, independent and happier in their home.
As Thomas Tredinnick, CEO and Co-Founder of Ally Cares, says: “We’ve seen that when care teams protect rest, residents eat better, engage more and recover faster. Good sleep isn’t just good for residents; it makes life easier for staff, improves occupancy, and reduces costs.”
Ultimately, quality sleep and bedroom comfort are in everyone’s best interests, and that means taking each and every resident as they come.
To explore the latest innovations in bedroom equipment, including our resident-first range of beds, mattresses and crash mats, visit shop.carehomelife.co.uk.
