HEALTH PROMOTION RESEARCH PAPER1
Health Promotion Research Paper
Melissa Hayes
Ferris State University
HEALTH PROMOTION RESEARCH PAPER1
Abstract
This health promotion research paper focuses on the importance of rest in relation to a nurse’s personal health and the safety of others. The author will define sleepiness versus fatigue in an attempt for the reader to gain a better understanding of these two terms which are sometimes referred to interchangeably. The author will also offer an explanation of circadian rhythms in relation to sleep patterns and the harmful effects of fatigue. Finally, the author will explore possible safety measures that may be taken in an attempt to combat fatigue.
HEALTH PROMOTION RESEARCH PAPER1
Health Promotion Research Paper
Why is it important to achieve at least eight hours of sleep in a 24 hour period? “Sleep is a basic human need” (Stokowski, 2004). Without it, nurses may face serious health and safety risks. Research has shown that individuals who are deprived of as little as one hour of sleep a day may find himself (herself) having problems with memory and psychomotor coordination (Stokowski, 2004). Theindividual may also experience decreased reaction times and difficulty with decision making (Stokowski, 2004).
Sleepiness vs. Fatigue
When an individual is experiencing the desire to fall asleep, this is referred to as sleepiness (Stokowski, 2004). When an individual is not able to continue with the task at hand due to a lack of desire, this is referred to as fatigue (Stokowski, 2004). These two terms are often thought of as one in the same. While sleepiness and fatigue may elicit the same effects, the two are indeed different and should be recognized as such.
Circadian Rhythm – What is it?
Circadian rhythms are patterns that are important in determining sleep and feeding times of all animals, including human beings (Science Daily, LLC). Circadian rhythms occur over a 24 hour cycle and are automatically controlled by the hypothalamus (Stokowski, 2004). External cues such as sunlight and temperature may contribute to the cycle timing. However, the body maintains a rhythm regardless of these external factors.
Research has shown that a person’s body favors sleeping between the hours of 0300 and 0500 (Stokowski, 2004). This is when the circadian rhythm is at its lowest point. As a result body temperature drops and performance is lowered along with the ability to stay alert (Stokowski, 2004). It is during this time that a fatigued person may experience blank stares or prolonged periods of eye closure. This is involuntary and is referred to as a microsleep (Stokowski, 2004).
Impairment Related to Fatigue
Fatigue reduces alertness related to physical and mental processes. The result is decreased awareness and slowed reaction times(Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators [CCMTA], 2006). If a person is driving while fatigued, it may be just as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol (CCMTA, 2006). If a nurse or any other professional is working while fatigued, altered judgment may occur and the quality of decisions may be affected. This should be of utmost concern to hospitals when considering patient safety. Medication errors are more likely to occur when medical staffmembers are experiencing fatigue. Nurses and other medical staff are also put at risk when driving after having worked long hours putting the general public at risk. The question becomes how do health care professionals help to ensure that patient safety is maintained along with personal safety? Safety measures are examined in the next section.
Safety Measures
Education
Education regarding the effects of sleep deprivation is considered one of the most effective ways to ensure nurses attempt to get the recommended amount of sleep prior to working a shift (Rogers, 2008). If an awareness of the effects of fatigue is achieved, the nurse will be more likely to take an active role in pursuing adequate rest periods. Employers may also set limits on how many consecutive shifts may be worked by employees in order to allow for adequate rest between shifts. Rest breaks with naps as short as fifteen minutes have been shown to be effective in increasing alertness (Rogers, 2008). This may not always be possible. However if a nurse was able to eat lunch away from the nurse’s station this would allow for a rest period. If the nurse’s peers were aware that she (he) was resting, a peer could wake the nurse when the break period is over.
Stimulants
Stimulants such as caffeine are probably one of the most widely used measures to prevent sleepiness and fatigue during work hours(Rogers, 2008). Caffeine generally takes effect within fifteen to thirty minutes after ingestion and may have a lasting effectiveness for three to four hours (Rogers, 2008). A person may build up a tolerance to caffeine, but generally 200 mg of caffeine has been shown to increase alertness and performance (Rogers, 2008).
Bright light
Prolonged exposure to bright light while working at the desk may also be effective in increasing alertness (Rogers, 2008). However this exposure has been proven effective when lasting continually for two to six hours (Rogers, 2008). The efficacy of bright light exposure has not been tested with just intermittent exposures (Rogers, 2008).
Exercise
Some health care professionals believe that exercise during a shift will raise alertness levels. Studies show that alertness may be minimally improved with ten minutes of exercise (Rogers, 2008). However electroencephalogram recordings show increased drowsiness following exercise (Rogers, 2008). Therefore it is suggested that exercise be used as a safety measure to combat fatigue only with extreme caution as a person may actually end up sleepier than before exercising.
Conclusion
As professionals who are responsible for the well being of others, nurses must be accountable for personal health. Not getting the recommended amount of sleep is irresponsible to say the least. Countless studies have shown the impact of inadequate rest periods between shifts. Nurseshave a responsibility to maintain personal health as well as the health of patients. The loss of a patient related to a nurse’s sleep deprivation not only impacts that patient but also family, friends, and societal members with which the patient is associated.
References
Circadian rhythm. (n.d.). In Science daily LLC. Retrieved from
Fatigue impairment. (2006). In Canadian council of motor transport administrators [CCMTA] road safety vision: 2010. Retrieved from
Rogers, A. E. (2008). The effects of fatigue and sleepiness on nurse performance and patient safety. In R. G. Hughes (Ed.), Patient safety and quality: an evidence based handbook for nurses (Ch. 40). Retrieved from
Stowkowski, L. A. (2004). A wake-up call for nurses: sleep loss, safety, and health. Retrieved from