2.4 Describe actions to take if the behaviour or movement of others hinders an individual’s ability to sleep

This guide will help you answer 2.4 Describe actions to take if the behaviour or movement of others hinders an individual’s ability to sleep.

Sleep is essential for maintaining health and well-being, and disturbances from others can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to rest. In a care setting, individuals often share living spaces, making it challenging to maintain a restful atmosphere when there are disruptions caused by others’ behaviour, movement, or actions. As a care worker, it is your responsibility to address these situations promptly and appropriately. This requires taking practical steps to reduce the impact, while supporting all parties involved with care and compassion.

What are the Impact of Disturbances?

Disturbances caused by others can prevent an individual from falling or staying asleep. This could lead to irritability, fatigue, and worsening of existing health conditions, particularly for those who are vulnerable or recovering. These disturbances may include:

• Loud talking or arguments nearby.
• Excessive noise from televisions, radios, or other devices.
• Frequent or heavy footsteps in shared corridors or rooms.
• Entering room spaces without consent.
• Actions that cause alarm, such as sudden loud noises or physical conflict.
• Clattering furniture or equipment, particularly during care tasks.

Recognising how these factors affect individuals is an important first step in addressing the problem.

Maintaining a Calm and Professional Response

When disturbances occur, remain calm and composed. Your behaviour can de-escalate tensions and set the tone for a resolution. Acting without judgement or irritation ensures that others feel respected and cooperative.

Tips for responding professionally include:

• Speaking in a calm and friendly tone.
• Avoiding confrontation or blame when addressing disruptive behaviour.
• Remaining patient and empathetic to everyone involved.

For instance, if two roommates are having a loud conversation that is hindering another person’s sleep, approach them calmly and politely explain the need for quiet during rest times.

Identifying the Source of the Disruption

Before taking action, it’s important to identify what or who is causing the disruption. Observe and assess the situation quietly to find out:

• What specific behaviours or movements are causing the disturbance.
• Whether the behaviour is intentional or unintentional.
• Whether the individual causing the disruption has specific needs or reasons for their actions (e.g., confusion, distress, or health conditions such as dementia).

Understanding the source helps you take the most appropriate and effective actions.

Addressing the Behaviours of Others

Once the source is identified, you may need to address the behaviour of the individual causing the disturbance, while balancing their needs with the rights of the person trying to sleep.

Actions to take include:

• Politely and respectfully explaining to the individual that their behaviour is causing a disruption.
• Example: “Excuse me, but we’re trying to create a quiet environment. Would it be possible to lower your voice?”
• Offering alternative activities to redirect attention if the person is restless or unable to sleep.
• For example, suggest they go to a communal area if they wish to watch television or engage in another noisy activity.
• Ensuring the individual understands when it is an appropriate time for sleeping, especially if they struggle with recognising routines. This might involve reminding them of quiet hours or guiding them into a calming routine.

If the behaviour is accidental or due to confusion, provide reassurance and gently redirect their actions without reprimanding them.

Minimising Environmental Disturbances

Sometimes the environment or layout of the space makes it harder to reduce the impact of disruptive behaviours. In these cases, practical steps may help limit disturbances.

Suggestions include:

• Posting reminders or visual aids about quiet hours in shared spaces.
• Creating designated quiet zones where individuals can go for undisturbed sleep.
• Using equipment or modifications such as soft furnishings, rugs, or soundproofing to reduce noise levels.
• Advocating for room reassignments if two particular individuals frequently disturb each other.

Practical adjustments to the environment can make it easier for everyone to participate in creating a calmer atmosphere.

Supporting the Individual Disturbed by Others

While addressing the source of the disturbance is essential, it’s equally important to check how the sleep-deprived individual is feeling and provide comfort if they are distressed. This could include:

• Reassuring them that the disruption is being addressed.
• Offering earplugs, eye masks, or white noise machines if available to block out further disturbances.
• Helping them to relax again through soothing techniques like a glass of water, gentle conversation, or breathing exercises.
• Adjusting their environment to make it more restful (e.g., dimming the lights, ensuring their bed is comfortable).

If the individual remains unable to sleep, speak directly to them to see what additional steps might help. Creating a supportive atmosphere reassures them that their concerns are being heard.

Dealing with Escalated Situations

If the disruption involves aggressive behaviour or conflict between individuals, immediate action is needed to protect everyone’s safety and restore order. Steps include:

• Remaining calm and separating individuals if tensions rise.
• Using de-escalation techniques to calm aggressive or heightened emotions.
• Speak softly, maintain a non-threatening posture, and avoid arguments.
• Seeking assistance from other care staff or supervisors if necessary.
• Following organisational policies for managing conflict or aggression.

Once the situation is under control, document the events appropriately and report to your line manager or supervisor for further evaluation.

Long-Term Actions to Prevent Recurrence

After addressing an immediate issue, consider long-term actions to prevent similar disruptions in future. Regularly reflect on the care environment, routines, and dynamics between individuals.

Some strategies include:

• Developing personalised care plans that consider individuals’ sleep needs and preferences.
• Establishing clear boundaries for shared spaces and quiet times.
• Offering training or advice to colleagues on creating and maintaining restful environments in care settings.
• Discussing concerns with family members of individuals who frequently cause disruptions, if appropriate.
• Reviewing room allocations to ensure compatibility between individuals sharing a space.

Proactively managing the environment creates a more structured and peaceful atmosphere for everyone.

Balancing Needs and Rights

In care settings, there may be competing needs, such as one individual’s right to engage in activities and another’s right to a restful environment. Balancing these needs is central to good practice. Treat all individuals with dignity and respect, and involve them in finding solutions where possible.

Continuously apply principles of person-centred care:

• Ensure everyone feels heard and valued.
• Aim for compromise where possible—for example, quieter activities during evening hours or headphones for personal entertainment.
• Adapt plans as necessary to respect the preferences of all individuals.

Legal and Organisational Expectations

Care workers have a duty of care under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 to protect individuals from harm and promote wellbeing. This includes ensuring they are supported to sleep in a safe and restful environment.

Your actions must align with organisational policies and procedures. For example:

• Document and report repeated disturbances to your line manager.
• Follow safeguarding policies in situations where behaviour poses a risk to others.
• Maintain confidentiality when addressing issues involving residents or care recipients.

By working in line with policies and regulations, you uphold the individual’s rights to rest and ensure the overall wellbeing of everyone in the care setting.

Final Thoughts

Disturbances to sleep can significantly impact an individual’s physical and emotional health. By identifying the source of disruption, addressing it calmly, and supporting the affected individual compassionately, you can create a more restful environment. Through proactive care and a balanced approach, you help maintain harmony and encourage better outcomes for all individuals in your care.