If a patient is restless, having difficulty getting comfortable, or not sleeping well, consider the following steps.

As always, be sure you have a physician’s order for the patient to be turned when necessary.

Wash your hands.

Approach and identify the patient (by checking the ID band) and explain the procedure (using simple terms and pointing out the benefits).

Perform practical nursing care to promote relaxation.

• Straighten or change the linens.
• Give the patient a back massage.
• Provide oral hygiene.
• Administer hair care.
• Administer a sponge bath and get fresh pajamas.

Position the patient in the preferred position for rest if possible. Follow the physician’s order for turning if specified.

Modify the position for support and comfort. Use aids for the patient’s positioning as indicated.

Check for the position and function of tubes and drains.

Check the bed linens for comfort.

• Wrinkles in linens.
• Wrinkles in mattress cover.
• Tightness over the feet and lower extremities.

Tell the patient when you plan to return.

Position the call light and bedside table within easy reach. NOTE: To keep the call light within the patient’s reach, secure it to the bed linen with a safety pin, if necessary.

Provide for quiet in the area when possible.

• Close the doors.
• Turn off any radios or TVs.
• Ask unnecessary visitors and personnel to leave the area.

Avoid interrupting the patient once he falls asleep.

• Schedule medications for times when the patient is being turned.
• Keep nursing care treatments and procedures to a minimum during sleep hours.

Report and record significant nursing observations.