Exploring the postoperative sleep experience of colorectal cancer patients with temporary stomas: a descriptive qualitative study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the postoperative sleep experience of colorectal cancer patients with temporary stomas.

METHODS

This was a descriptive qualitative study. Seventeen eligible patients with temporary stomas were purposively sampled and participated in face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Four main themes and 12 subthemes emerged: (1) Treatment-related physical symptoms disrupting sleep (postoperative pain and discomfort; nighttime stoma care burden; Drug-related adverse reactions). (2) Bidirectional reinforcement between psychosocial distress and sleep disturbances (nocturnal rumination in the context of self-perceived burden; nighttime exacerbation of negative emotions; Mutual aggravation of distress and sleep dysfunction). (3) Adaptive challenges to sleep environments and routines (hospital-environmental barriers to sleep; home sleep-environment reorganization; changes in sleep habits). (4) Patient-initiated sleep optimization strategies (self-management techniques for relaxation; dietary modifications; seeking professional support).

CONCLUSIONS

The postoperative sleep experiences of patients with temporary stomas are complex, influenced by multiple factors including physical, psychological, and care-related aspects, and have relatively inadequate supportive measures.