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Together is a new resource for anyone affected by pediatric cancer - patients and their parents, family members, and friends.
Learn MoreYour child should keep a normal sleep and activity schedule while they are in the hospital. This promotes healing and prevents certain problems, such as delirium.
Sleep and activity are important parts of your child’s care plan. You may see the ICU staff doing tasks like opening the blinds and turning on the lights during the day. These activities help your child know when it is time to be awake and active.
You may also see staff turning off the lights and automatic room doors at night. This will help your child sleep better. Staff will try not to wake your child when checking on them at night. But they still must do this for your child’s medical safety.
| During the day | At night |
|---|---|
| - Open the blinds. - Turn on the lights. - Turn on music or TV. - Talk to your child about the date, time of day, and where they are. - Limit naps, especially in the afternoon. - Work with your care team to help your child move and be active as appropriate. |
- Close the blinds and turn off the lights. - Turn off TV, electronic devices, music, and all other distractions. - Use white noise if it helps your child sleep. - Encourage your child to go to bed at the same time every night. - Keep the room at a cool, comfortable temperature. - Limit caffeine, especially after 4 p.m. - Avoid stimulating activities near bedtime. |
These actions are important even if your child is on a ventilator or has received sedation medicine. Even if your child looks asleep, they may still be aware of lights and noises around them.
Activity levels may be limited for your child. But all movement and exercise can help improve strength, flexibility, and recovery time.
Work with your child’s care team to make a sleep and activity plan that is right for your child.
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Reviewed: January 2024