Read story C34: Another broken night (image and text)
Sleep and delirium: helping without simply adding a sleeping tablet
Terry’s nights are repeatedly interrupted, and he is exhausted and confused during the day. The team reviews pain, medicines and sleep disruption. Some overnight interruptions are reduced where safe, while necessary checks continue. Better sleep is one part of care; sedation and recovery from delirium are not the same thing.
Story text
Panel 1. Another night of broken sleep.
Panel 2.
- Louise: He hardly slept. Could anything be changed tonight?
Panel 3.
- Nurse: Let’s check pain, medicines and what is disturbing him.
Panel 4. Unnecessary interruptions are reduced. Essential care continues.
Panel 5. Daylight and activity are fitted around what Terry can manage.
Panel 6.
- Doctor: Sleep is one part of the plan. We’ll keep reviewing the delirium.
Bottom band. Ask about sleep as part of delirium care—not simply a medicine to make someone sleep.