Recovery: One Restful Night at a Time

By: Toni Land, MBA, BSN, CPXP

When we think about hospitals, the first thing that often comes to mind is a place for treatment and healing. However, one frequently overlooked aspect is the importance of restfulness in the hospital environment. With the 2025 HCAHPS survey changes, a new domain focuses on Restfulness of the Hospital Environment. This shift signifies a growing recognition of rest’s role in recovery. 

Imagine being a patient in a hospital. You’re not feeling well, and your body is fighting to heal. It’s a stressful situation, and to add to that, you might struggle to find a moment of peace. Team members often respond with skepticism when they hear questions about “restfulness.” After all, hospitals are not hotels, right? But it’s crucial to understand that while patients are there to receive medical treatment, they also need a conducive environment for the body to recuperate.  

Research indicates that rest is an essential component of the healing process. When our bodies are under stress, whether from an illness, surgery, or treatment like chemotherapy, they require additional care. This is where the concept of restfulness comes in. It’s not just about getting a good night’s sleep; it’s also about creating an atmosphere where patients can relax and allow their bodies to work in tandem with the medical care they’re receiving. 

One fascinating point is how sleep and rest influence our bodily functions. For instance, sleep plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation and promoting the growth of new cells. During rest, our bodies release growth hormones—up to 90% of these hormones are produced while we sleep! The healing process, from your skin to your intestines, relies heavily on adequate rest. When patients don’t get enough rest, it may lead to prolonged hospital stays, negative experiences, and potentially poorer health outcomes. 

Many hospital routines unintentionally prioritize monitoring over rest. For instance, vital signs are often checked every four hours, especially for patients categorized at-risk. While monitoring is undoubtedly important, interrupting patients’ sleep and rest can significantly hinder their recovery process and create unnecessary work for the team. It begs the question: Do we genuinely need to check vital signs every four hours at night? 

Research supports the notion that many patients, particularly those categorized as low-risk, do not necessitate constant monitoring. Studies indicate that changing the frequency of vital sign checks from every four to every six or eight hours, or even allowing longer intervals overnight, can substantially improve patients’ ability to rest and recover. This change can enhance team efficiency and patient outcomes without compromising safety. 

As healthcare professionals, reframing our understanding of restfulness within patient care is vital. Rest isn’t merely an indulgence but a paramount component of recovery. To foster an environment conducive to healing, we need to reevaluate existing policies that may obstruct rest—beginning with how we approach vital sign monitoring. 

Being mindful of how certain standard practices disrupt patients’ attempts to sleep can catalyze significant change. It prompts an essential inquiry: Are we genuinely allowing our patients to rest? 

In conclusion, recognizing the value of rest and addressing the barriers that impede it can lead healthcare teams to create a more supportive and efficient environment for patients. By embracing the understanding that rest holds equal significance to medication in the healing journey, we can ultimately transform the hospital experience into one that prioritizes recovery through the lens of restfulness—one restful night at a time.  

Research Links: 

A Prospective Study of Nighttime Vital Sign Monitoring Frequency and Risk of Clinical Deterioration.Yoder JC, Yuen TC, Churpek MM, Arora VM, Edelson DP. A prospective study of nighttime vital sign monitoring frequency and risk of clinical deterioration. JAMA Intern Med. 2013 Sep 9;173(16):1554-5. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.7791. PMID: 23817602; PMCID: PMC3773251. 

Health Effects of Poor Sleep 

https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/eff… 

Reducing Nighttime Checks Is Safe and Helps Patients Sleep 

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/… 

Minimizing Disruption, Maximizing Sleep 

https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/new…. 

About The Author:

Toni Land is the Chief Experience Officer of Landing Exceptional Experiences. A nursing
career spanning over 35 years, Toni is dedicated to improving the experiences of patients,
families, and team members to drive positive outcomes. She holds a bachelor’s degree in
nursing and a master’s in business administration. She is also a Certified Patient Experience
Professional and a Leapfrog-certified coach. Toni’s mission centers around fostering a
culture of excellence in healthcare through execution principles and effective
communication. She strongly believes that healthcare operates as a team sport; by working
together, we can elevate patient experience, improve quality metrics, and achieve overall
organizational success.