Optimal Activity

No. 2 To promote optimal activity: exercise, rest and sleep
by: Azimah Mamutuk

Rest is a state of being physically and mentally relaxed while being awake and alert. While sleep is a reversible behavioral state in which consciousness, activity of the skeletal muscles and metabolism are depressed. It is one of the many biorhythms which occur at regular intervals in all living creatures. An average adult gets 4-5 hour sleep each night. Both rest and sleep play an important role in energy conservation and restoration. On the other hand, exercise is a type of physical activity defined as a planned, structured, and repetitive bodily movement done to improve or maintain one or more components of physical fitness.

As a nurse, it is an integral part of our nursing plan to promote optimal activity of the patient by making sure that he gets enough exercise, rest, and sleep. How do I achieve this in my daily practice? I do it by collaborating with other healthcare professionals and getting participation from my patients and their families.

First, I assess each patient first. I look at their initial admission form or interview them about their sleep history and daily routine prior to hospitalization. I also ask them about their perception about their hospitalization and how it affects their sleep. Then, I orient them to the ward and daily activities. I also educate them whenever needed such as benefits of exercise, rest, and sleep and what are the complications in case they are not enough. After that, I ask them if they have any issues with regard to their sleep and then we work on them.

In our orthopedic ward, we usually encourage the patients to sleep after 10 pm once they receive their due medicines including analgesics. We do it by turning off the lights and keeping only night lights on. We also promote quiet environment. For those who cannot sleep, we try to give them light snack with warm milk, and instruct them about progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery,  or abdominal breathing until they fall asleep. Then at 5:30, we try to wake them up to perform personal hygiene like brushing teeth and taking daily shower. At 7 am, their breakfast is served. Then at 8 am, the physiotherapist arrives for their mobilization and different planned exercises. Some of the patients also go to the gym in our hospital. Then, they go back to their beds before 1 pm to eat their lunch. For 1 hour, they will just be sitting and interacting with each other, then at  2pm, they receive their meds. From 2-4 pm, they usually rest or sleep. Then at 4-8:30 pm, they interact with their relatives since it is our allowed visiting time.

So, that is the usual routine of my trauma patients. By doing this and helping them promote optimal activity, we help them restore their health and independence. It is evidenced by their early discharge without complications, and the big smile on their faces thanking us for the tender loving care they receive. Indeed it is an awesome experience as a nurse being able to touch many lives.