Keywords

Cheyne-Stokes respiration, heart failure, sleep, sleepiness, sleep disturbances

 

Authors

  1. Parker, Kathy P. PhD, RN
  2. Dunbar, Sandra B. DSN, RN, FAAN

Abstract

Sleep problems and symptoms of sleep disturbance are very prevalent in patients with heart failure (HF). Numerous contributing factors include sleep-related breathing disorders, increasing age, medications, anxiety and depression, and comorbidities. Thus, the cardiovascular nurse has an important role in the recognition and management of sleep-related problems in persons with HF. This article provides an overview of sleep disturbances in patients with HF, suggests evidence-based strategies for managing the sleep problems, and identifies pertinent areas for future nursing inquiry.