Rest and sleep are basic concepts in nursing. While they are interrelated, they are neither interchangeable nor identical. Sleep is necessary for the subjective feelings of being rested.
The term rest means not only the feeling of peace, relief and relaxation, but it implies from anything that tries, disturbs or worries. Therefore rest is defined as a state of relatively decreased bodily work, either physical, mental or both, which leaves the individual feeling refreshed and revived. During illness bed rest is limiting the physical activity by keeping the patient in bed does not guarantee the state of rest.
When a patient is hospitalized, he/she is vulnerable to rest disorders. Already anxious due to illness, he/she is subjected to a new environment, new faces, loss of privacy, strange noises and experiences, frequent disturbances and to painful procedures.
Beneficial effects of rest in illness.
- Relives pain due to surgical procedures, trauma, fractures and wounds. Rest by decreasing movements prevents excessive irritation of the injured tissues.
- Promotes healing and repair of injured tissues(anabolism) by reducing the metabolic need of tissues.
- It reduces oxygen demand of such vital organs as heart muscles, there by reduce the discomfort and pain in the coronary heart diseases.
- Haste the recovery of the weak, exhausted, febrile and debilitated patients.
- It relives oedema and venous congestion (varicose veins).
- A period of rest will provide relaxation not only to the body but also the mind.
- A period of rest improves the functioning of the different organs such as kidney, liver, etc.
How about a new lifestyle
