When people do not get enough sleep and accumulate a large sleep debt, they are at a greater risk of developing issues with their mental, physical and emotional health.

60% of surgical patients experience a preoperative sleep disturbance, which is one of the two main risk factors for postoperative sleep disturbance (the other being anxiety). The high prevalence or preoperative sleep disturbances in surgical patients has a negative impact on postoperative outcomes and wellbeing.

Chronic conditions and poor health commonly affect a person’s ability to sleep. For instance, it’s estimated that one in two people with cancer have a sleep problem. Some studies have found even higher numbers, depending on the type and stage. In short, sleep can be negatively affected at times when it’s needed most. 

While some sleep issues, such as sleep apnoea, require specialist support, many sleeping problems are caused by poor sleeping habits. By educating patients on the dos and don’ts of sleep, you can help them improve their quality and quantity of sleep. Other benefits of sleeping better include better recovery from exercise training, easier to make healthier dietary choices and better frame of mind to cut down alcohol or quit smoking.

Patients can improve their sleep by waking at the same time each day, exercising and only using their bed for sleep. They can also avoid behaviours that reduce sleep quality, such as caffeine, alcohol and using phones in bed. 

People suffering from insomnia for a prolonged period may benefit from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), a psychological therapy for adults with insomnia that has proven to work effectively in a range of research trials. CBT-I can help to change the way a person thinks, feels and behaves when it comes to sleeping. It combines sleep hygiene, sleep restriction, stimulus control and relaxation techniques to help people overcome their insomnia.