Which nursing intervention would be beneficial for a patient with insomnia

Changing your sleep habits and addressing any issues that may be associated with insomnia, such as stress, medical conditions or medications, can restore restful sleep for many people. If these measures don't work, your doctor may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy, medications or both, to help improve relaxation and sleep.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can help you control or eliminate negative thoughts and actions that keep you awake and is generally recommended as the first line of treatment for people with insomnia. Typically, CBT-I is equally or more effective than sleep medications.

The cognitive part of CBT-I teaches you to recognize and change beliefs that affect your ability to sleep. It can help you control or eliminate negative thoughts and worries that keep you awake. It may also involve eliminating the cycle that can develop where you worry so much about getting to sleep that you can't fall asleep.

The behavioral part of CBT-I helps you develop good sleep habits and avoid behaviors that keep you from sleeping well. Strategies include, for example:

  • Stimulus control therapy. This method helps remove factors that condition your mind to resist sleep. For example, you might be coached to set a consistent bedtime and wake time and avoid naps, use the bed only for sleep and sex, and leave the bedroom if you can't go to sleep within 20 minutes, only returning when you're sleepy.
  • Relaxation techniques. Progressive muscle relaxation, biofeedback and breathing exercises are ways to reduce anxiety at bedtime. Practicing these techniques can help you control your breathing, heart rate, muscle tension and mood so that you can relax.
  • Sleep restriction. This therapy decreases the time you spend in bed and avoids daytime naps, causing partial sleep deprivation, which makes you more tired the next night. Once your sleep has improved, your time in bed is gradually increased.
  • Remaining passively awake. Also called paradoxical intention, this therapy for learned insomnia is aimed at reducing the worry and anxiety about being able to get to sleep by getting in bed and trying to stay awake rather than expecting to fall asleep.
  • Light therapy. If you fall asleep too early and then awaken too early, you can use light to push back your internal clock. You can go outside during times of the year when it's light outside in the evenings, or you can use a light box. Talk to your doctor about recommendations.

Your doctor may recommend other strategies related to your lifestyle and sleep environment to help you develop habits that promote sound sleep and daytime alertness.

Prescription medications

Prescription sleeping pills can help you get to sleep, stay asleep or both. Doctors generally don't recommend relying on prescription sleeping pills for more than a few weeks, but several medications are approved for long-term use.

Examples include:

  • Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
  • Ramelteon (Rozerem)
  • Zaleplon (Sonata)
  • Zolpidem (Ambien, Edluar, Intermezzo, Zolpimist)

Prescription sleeping pills can have side effects, such as causing daytime grogginess and increasing the risk of falling, or they can be habit-forming, so talk to your doctor about these medications and other possible side effects.

Over-the-counter sleep aids

Nonprescription sleep medications contain antihistamines that can make you drowsy, but they're not intended for regular use. Talk to your doctor before you take these, as antihistamines may cause side effects, such as daytime sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, cognitive decline and difficulty urinating, which may be worse in older adults.

More Information

  • Insomnia care at Mayo Clinic
  • Insomnia treatment: Cognitive behavioral therapy instead of sleeping pills
  • Prescription sleeping pills: What's right for you?
  • Ambien: Is dependence a concern?
  • Biofeedback
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
Show more related information

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What are the interventions for insomnia?

Basic tips:.
Stick to a sleep schedule. Keep your bedtime and wake time consistent from day to day, including on weekends..
Stay active. ... .
Check your medications. ... .
Avoid or limit naps. ... .
Avoid or limit caffeine and alcohol and don't use nicotine. ... .
Don't put up with pain. ... .
Avoid large meals and beverages before bed..

Which intervention should the nurse recommend to reduce episodes of insomnia?

Limiting the duration and frequency of day time naps. The promotion of daily exercise. The avoidance of alcohol, caffeine, heavy meals and exercise at least a couple of hours before bedtime.

What intervention should you prioritize when caring for a patient with chronic insomnia?

The use of eye masks and ear plugs are simple interventions that have shown promise for easing insomnia in adults. Resistance strength training and walking, combined with social activity, significantly improved sleep in nursing home and assisted living residents in one study.

What are nursing strategies to improve sleep?

10 tips for nurses to get better sleep:.
Establish a consistent routine. ... .
Ask people not to disturb you. ... .
Make your bedroom sleep-friendly. ... .
Skip the nightcap. ... .
Forego the electronics before bed. ... .
Limit your caffeine intake to daytime hours (or earlier in your night shift). ... .
Nap strategically. ... .
Run, walk or dance..