White noise machines support patient rest and recovery
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ALPENA – Patients in the Progressive Care Unit (PCU) at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena now have access to white noise machines in every room, helping create a quieter, more restful environment that supports healing and recovery. Made possible through generous community donations to the MyMichigan Health Foundation, the devices are designed to help patients rest more comfortably during their stay.
Hospitals are often noisy, filled with sounds from monitoring equipment, alarms and overhead pages. While these sounds are essential to providing safe, high-quality care, they can also make it difficult for patients to relax and get the uninterrupted sleep they need. For patients in a PCU who are recovering from serious illness, surgery or cardiac conditions, proper rest is crucial.
Recognizing the important role rest and sleep play in recovery, Alpena's PCU sought a simple way to help patients feel more comfortable and relaxed during their time in the Medical Center. Patients can now use the white noise machines throughout their stay, adjusting the sound level to their personal preference at any time.
"Rest is an essential part of healing," said Sherri Callahan, PCU co-lead nurse, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. "When patients sleep better, it can positively affect their recovery, comfort and overall experience. The white noise machines are a simple but meaningful way to support our patients."
The idea for the white noise machines was inspired in part by patient feedback, which identified sleep quality as an opportunity for improvement. Surveys from Alpena's PCU showed the unit's scores on the "Able to Get the Rest Needed" measure fell below the 75th percentile benchmark in 11 of the previous 12 months, highlighting the need for additional support to help patients rest and recover in a healing environment.
The benefits of the devices extend beyond supporting sleep and recovery. The machines can also help create a more peaceful environment for patients and families facing difficult circumstances during hospitalization.
"Some patients in the PCU may transition to hospice care during their hospitalization," said Alethea Mshar, PCU co-lead nurse, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. "Because maintaining a familiar environment is important for comfort and quality of life, these patients typically remain in their current room rather than being moved to another unit. White noise machines help create a quieter, more private atmosphere, offering comfort and reassurance to both patients and their loved ones."
Research supports the use of white noise and other sound-masking strategies to improve sleep in health care settings. A recent randomized controlled trial found that hospitalized patients who used white noise machines reported significantly better sleep quality than those who did not. Additional studies, including research published in the Journal of Caring Sciences and a systematic review of seven randomized trials, have reported similar improvements in sleep quality and sleep efficiency among hospitalized adults.
The project was made possible thanks to generous support from donors to the MyMichigan Health Foundation.
"We are grateful to the donors whose generosity made this project possible," said Ann Diamond, director, MyMichigan Health Foundation. "Community support allows us to invest in enhancements that may seem small but can have a meaningful impact on a patient’s comfort and experience. This is a wonderful example of how donor support helps us create a more welcoming and healing environment for patients and families at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena."
The white noise machines complement ongoing efforts to enhance comfort, reduce disruptions and support a positive patient experience. By listening to patient feedback and implementing thoughtful, evidence-based solutions, MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena continues to provide compassionate, high-quality care close to home.
Those interested in supporting patients and families served by MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena through contributions to equipment, programs and services may contact Diamond at ann.diamond@mymichigan.org or (989) 356-7738.