Pain Management, Sleep Physiology, and Sleep Disorders

Vocabulary flashcards covering pain management modalities, sleep architecture (NREM and REM stages), factors influencing rest, sleep disorders, and nursing interventions to optimize patient sleep.

Physical Non-Pharmacological Pain Management

Non-medication pain relief techniques involving physical interventions, including heat/cold applications, massage, TENS units, physical therapy, positioning, and acupuncture.

Cognitive/Behavioral Non-Pharmacological Pain Management

Psychological and mental strategies used to manage pain, including distraction, relaxation techniques, guided imagery, meditation, deep breathing, biofeedback, and music therapy.

Stage 1 NREM Sleep (N1 - Light Sleep)

The transition phase from wakefulness to sleep where muscles relax, heart rate and breathing slow down, and the individual is easily awakened by minor stimuli.

Stage 2 NREM Sleep (N2 - Deeper Sleep)

A period of sound sleep where body temperature drops and heart rate slows further; the brain exhibits sleep spindles and K-complexes, and it constitutes the largest percentage of total sleep.

Stage 3 NREM Sleep (N3 - Slow-Wave / Deep Sleep)

The deepest level of restorative sleep from which it is difficult to arouse; vital signs slow significantly, growth hormone is released, and tissue repair or immune restoration occurs.

NREM Sleep (Stages 1–3)

A major sleep state that comprises about $75\text{--}80\%$ of sleep, characterized by progressively slowing vital signs, metabolism, and brain activity to focus on physical restoration, tissue repair, and growth.

REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep

A sleep state characterized by intense brain activity, vivid dreaming, rapid eye movements, muscle paralysis (atonia), and fluctuating heart and respiratory rates; essential for cognitive restoration, emotional processing, and memory consolidation.

Atonia

The temporary muscle paralysis that occurs characteristically during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.

Insomnia

A sleeping disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early.

Sleep Apnea

A sleep disorder characterized by the periodic cessation of breathing during sleep, categorized as Obstructive, Central, or Mixed.

Narcolepsy

A chronic neurological sleep disorder characterized by sudden, irresistible daytime sleepiness and sudden attacks of sleep.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

A condition causing uncomfortable sensations in the legs accompanied by an irresistible urge to move them, which typically worsens at rest or in the evening.

Parasomnias

Abnormal behaviors occurring during sleep, including sleepwalking (somnambulism), night terrors, and nocturnal enuresis.

Somnambulism

Sleepwalking, classified as a type of parasomnia occurring during sleep.

Medications Affecting Sleep Architecture

Pharmacological agents that disrupt the structure of sleep, specifically including beta-blockers, corticosteroids, diuretics, and stimulants.

Cluster Nursing Care

A nursing intervention designed to minimize nighttime interruptions by grouping patient care activities together, along with dimming lights and lowering monitor volumes.

Nursing Interventions for Patient Sleep

Clinical measures to improve sleep patterns, including creating a comfortable, quiet, dark, and temperature-controlled environment; establishing a consistent schedule; clustering nighttime care; administering scheduled bedtime pain relief; encouraging relaxation (warm bath, soft music, reading, back massage); and advising the restriction of caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals before bedtime.