Sleep is a physiological state characterized by the cessation of body movements, reduced responsiveness to external stimuli, and a loss of consciousness while maintaining the ability to return easily to wakefulness in response to internal and external cues. It serves to provide rest to the mind and body, actively supporting wakeful activities. Human sleep comprises two main stages: slow-wave sleep (SWS; deepest stage of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep) and rapid eye movement sleep (REM), which alternate approximately every 90 minutes. SWS encompasses different levels of depth, ranging from light to deep sleep phases, characterized by varying brain wave patterns indicating levels of restfulness. During REM sleep, brain activity resembles that of wakefulness, but muscle tone diminishes, and vivid dreaming typically occurs.

In nursing, efforts to enhance the quality of sleep involve creating conducive environmental conditions that facilitate regular sleep routines and adequate sleep durations. This encompasses fostering healthy bedtime habits such as oral hygiene practices and assisting with changing into sleep attire. Adjustments to the physical environment, including lighting, temperature, humidity, ventilation, ambient noise levels, and aromas, are made to promote optimal sleep conditions. Additionally, interventions such as compresses and foot baths may be utilized to promote relaxation and facilitate sleep onset.

• Fukai, K. (Supervisor). (2006). Evidence of care techniques: Utilizing feedback for practice. Health Publishing.
• Morgan, K., & Cross, J. (2003). Sleep management in nursing practice (Kawakami, M., Trans.). Comic Medical Editor.
• Shirakawa, S. (1999). Interesting nursing sleep science. Medica Publishing.