Back to DashboardThis is a very common symptom and should be expected during the course of hospice care.
Defined as change in sleep pattern: difficulty falling asleep,
Common Causes
Sleep
Disruption of prior routine/environment:
New bed
Different room
What to do first
- Ask about pain and give pain medication if present
- Ask about excess anxiety and give anxiety medication if present
- Avoid excess caffeine, stimulation prior to sleep
- If appropriate, ask about comfort of new sleeping arrangement
- If you are comfortable asking- "Is there something bothering you that you want to talk about"
Medications
Lorazepam is one of the core 'comfort pack' medications you received on day of admission to hospice.
Its purpose is to relieve anxiety and should be used as directedPain can be a common cause of disrupted sleep. Morphine (Opioid) medications are part of the core
'comfort pack' medications and should be used as directed if pain is present. Morphine (Opioids) can also given for increasing shortness of breath
What to discuss with Hospice
Increasing distress from sleepless nights
You are concerned that a new problem has arisen causing the problem and need help treating
You are concerned about possible medication side effects
You would like to consider additional medications to help with sleep
