Sleep-hygiene strategy at White Rock hospital aims to boost healing<\/p>\n
Published 9:00 am Tuesday, June 23, 2026<\/p>\n
It\u2019s no secret that when it comes to healing, rest is an important piece of the puzzle \u2013 regardless of the injury or illness.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also no secret that getting rest in a hospital\u2019s emergency department can be challenging. But, a new initiative at Peace Arch Hospital is hoped to change that for patients.<\/p>\n
Sleep-hygiene measures now in place at the White Rock facility include a peaceful hallway mural bearing messages in multiple languages that highlight the many benefits of sleep \u2013 including faster recovery and and stronger immune function \u2013 to \u201creinforce the importance of creating a calm, more restorative space for patients to heal.\u201d<\/p>\n
The project also provides patients with sleep kits that include noise-cancelling headphones and eye masks to help minimize noise and light distractions while resting, a news release continues.<\/p>\n
\u201cHeated blankets and bed-position adjustments are offered to improve comfort, while medical staff support quiet hours between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. whenever possible to encourage uninterrupted sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n
The measures were put in place after ER physician Dr. Amir Behboudi proposed creating a quieter healing environment, in particular for patients who may end up spending time in the hallway due to high patient volumes and overcrowding.<\/p>\n
The project was supported by the Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation through a Peace Arch Hospital & Fraser Health Community Grant.<\/p>\n
Foundation CEO Stephanie Beck, in thanking donors for helping make the project a reality, said it is already having a positive impact for patients that need care in the ER, \u201cand we know it will continue to help patients heal and get back home sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n