End PJ Paralysis
What is End PJ Paralysis?
End PJ Paralysis is a national campaign that encourages patients to get up, get dressed, and get moving during their hospital admission to avoid the unwanted effects of laying in bed for a long time. These effects include weakness, muscle loss, constipation and malnutrition.
Getting up, dressed and moving can help improve patient outcomes by reducing length of stay, increasing strength, and increasing patient wellbeing and independence.
Studies have also shown that wearing pyjamas and night clothes can reinforce feelings of being unwell and can actually hinder recovery.
Why do we want to End PJ Paralysis?
Hospital inactivity is associated with:
- Five times greater risk of needing to move to a care home when discharged
- 48% increase in needing help with daily activities one month after discharge
By encouraging patients to get up, put on their own clothes and safe well-fitting footwear, and get moving, we can help prevent muscle deterioration and reduce their risk of falling, both in hospital and at home.
Research indicates that around three in five immobile, older patients in hospital have no medical reason for bed rest, and increasing the amount of walking they do helps reduce length of stay.
Getting up and keeping moving is particularly important for people over 80, who can expect to lose 10% of their muscle mass for every 10 days they spend in hospital – the equivalent of 10 years of ageing.
What can patients do to End PJ Paralysis and speed their recovery?
- Get dressed in your own clothes and well-fitting footwear
- Eat meals sitting in a chair or on the edge of your bed
- Sit in a chair or go for a walk when you have visitors
- Do simple exercises on your bed or chair
- Get moving out of your room
How can families and friends help?
- Bring clean, loose-fitting clothes with zippers, elastic waist bands and wide leg and arm openings, as well as well-fitting, comfortable shoes
- Bring mobility aids such as walkers and canes
- Take worn clothes home for cleaning
- Talk with your loved one and their caregivers about moving
- Be patient and continue to encourage your loved one