The Clinical Librarian could be an invaluable support to promoting evidence-based nursing.

Insomnia or disturbed sleep is experienced by many older people and has adverse effects on physical and psychological health. Nurses should be aware of insomnia and how they can help patients to get a good night's sleep. This article first examines normal sleep patterns and then insomnia. It discusses what nurses can do to assess sleep disturbances and suggests practical strategies to promote quality sleep in inpatients and care home residents.

Rationale and key points Disturbed or disrupted sleep is associated with adverse effects on physical and psychological health. This article explores the importance of promoting patients' sleep in hospital, although some of the principles can be applied to other healthcare settings. Sleep is essential to recovery and well-being, and nurses are well placed to support patients to achieve and sustain sleep. » Sleep has a restorative function and is particularly important in maintaining patients' health and well-being. » Sleep deficit has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. » Assessment of patients' sleep routines and patterns, and consideration of environmental factors enables nurses to identify that which assists and limits sleep, and take appropriate action. Reflective activity 'How to' articles can help you update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: » How you think this article will change your practice when promoting sleep in patients in your care. » How you could use this article to educate your colleagues.

The ease with which evidence‐based practice can be applied will have a significant impact on whether it is effectively utilised by health care professionals. This article describes how members of the Evidence‐Based Council within Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust resolved this issue by developing a user‐friendly toolkit and workbook which systematically introduces the key elements that need to be considered and applied in order to enhance evidence‐based practice at ward level. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

What was the nature of the CPD activity, practice-related feedback and/or event and/or experience in your practice? The article examined the use of mindfulness techniques and how by learning to care for themselves, nurses can enhance the care they provide for patients. The concept of mindfulness has had widespread publicity, from meditation courses to adult colouring books, but I wanted to learn how mindfulness can be applied to nursing.