The Need for Rest
The Need for Rest
Joy Stepinski, MSN, RN-BC
July 2, 2025
As the summer season begins, school is ending, activities take a pause, and summer vacation plans are underway. Like the many generations of family before me, I await the summer respite to Martha’s Vineyard. Boarding the Oak Bluffs-bound ferry in anticipation, I relax on the upper deck, feeling the breeze rush around me. The sound of the waves lapping upon the shore brings a peaceful rhythm and melody. Taking in the scenery while bicycling along State Beach, finding a cozy spot on the front porch with a book, and making new memories with friends and family are at the forefront of my mind. There is nowhere I have to be, nobody I have to report to, and nothing I have to do… just rest and simply be. Rest is such a precious and important need for whole-person health.
Nursing literature often describes rest as a physiological necessity, meaning that rest is one of the elements (along with food, water, toileting, oxygen, and sleep) required for survival. Yet time-out plays an intimate role in emotional and spiritual well-being, too.
Abraham Maslow’s theory of human motivation (also known as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs) [1], frequently discussed among the nursing profession, includes rest. Maslow developed a hierarchy of human needs, in which one need must be satisfied before the next is attained. The physiological needs are foundational. Once met, a person moves through the sequence of the hierarchy: safety, love, esteem, and finally self-actualization. Maslow’s original theory implied that sleep and activity were physiological needs, and rest is often acknowledged as a valuable element.
Rest has different meanings relating to patient care. The concept of bed rest as a therapeutic intervention originated in the mid-1800s when leaving patients in bed without care was common [2]. A century later, physicians noted that bed rest was ill-advised due to complications, such as blood clots, constipation, incontinence, and depression. While complete immobilization is unfounded in most circumstances, other aspects of rest are beneficial to life.
Rest has been recognized as an essential component of patient care among nurses since the profession was founded. Florence Nightingale described the crucial interventions of care as light, warmth, fresh air, cleanliness, nutrition, and quiet. Virginia Henderson, a well-known nursing theorist, described 14 caring activities to support patients in her Needs Theory, including sleep and rest [2]. Dorothea Orem developed the self-care deficit theory, which described the fundamental nursing activity of assisting patients to maintain a balance of activity and rest [3].
What exactly is rest? As author Sarah Allison described, rest is a “universal self-care requisite” (p. 68). She wrote, “physiologically, the common assumption is that rest means reduction in physical activity; however, psychologically, rest may mean performance of activities to provide relief from stress and strain – for relaxation” (p. 70). Rest does not necessarily mean to cease all activity. Instead, when a person is at rest, they are not intentionally expending more energy than the body requires. Examples may include eating, sleeping, being still, and reading. Other themes are described in separate literature [2], including “inactivity after exertion, stationary, refreshing quiet after sleep, quiescent, motionless, recharging, repose, [and] peaceful” (p. 58).
Rest is not merely important for physical health, but also a means to protect mental and emotional health. Preventing and addressing situations that cause demands and stress is an important aspect. As such, diversional activities that may be more strenuous can alleviate tension and negative emotions [3]. Leisure activities, non-competitive sports, hobbies, fun events, time away from devices, and freedom from anything causing a burden may all be considered as rest. These can instill a sense of calm.
The spiritual aspect of self also requires rest. For example, some people observe the Sabbath to enhance spiritual growth and peace of mind. Away from school, work, and the needs of others, personal reflection can flourish. On the other hand, participating in activities with those who share common interests, such as a retreat, can be fulfilling.
Personal preferences and choices are integral to providing rest, which are distinct to each individual. All people have their unique thoughts and beliefs about what provides a balance to activity and rest within their own lives.
Many factors influence achieving rest. Sleep quality, mind chatter, and insufficient time may hinder feelings of peace. One study among an elderly population [3] demonstrated that some people do not always recognize cues from their body to initiate rest. Others showed difficulty with limit setting to avoid energy depletion or the ability to make decisions about when to rest. Findings included the need to plan ahead, pace oneself, withdraw or have less involvement with certain group activities, and be deliberate about slowing down.
As Allison states in her article [3], the self-care necessity of rest provides a balance with activity. Energy expenditure and environmental stimuli are reduced. Relaxation seeks to provide an outlet that encompasses preferences, choices, interests, and talents. When this balance is achieved, people may experience more alertness, a greater sense of accomplishment, relief from unnecessary stress, comfort, pleasure, increased productivity, and an overall sense of satisfaction.
The neuroscientist Dr. Caroline Leaf described that rest can sometimes be difficult to achieve [4]. If rest causes stress and burnout, the goal of experiencing calm and peace is unfulfilled. Physiological, emotional, and spiritual needs may not be met. Mental chatter containing constant worry can undermine rest. To truly rest, restoration must also occur. Restore means, “to bring back to or put back into former or original state: renew” [5]. Dr. Leaf suggests the following: allow time in the day for daydreaming to give the mind a break, avoid multitasking, and keep in the company of positive people. During periods of rest, focus on your needs and not those of others. Bring thoughts to the present moment and check in with yourself to confirm you are truly resting.
Summer is equated with fun in the sun and relaxation. Yet, the season can provide an opportunity for reflection. When you seek rest, are you truly resting? Can you restore your mind, body, and spirit without endless mental chatter and worry? Do you focus on your own needs instead of the needs of others? What barriers might you need to overcome to find peace?
References:
1. Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. https://www.excelcentre.net/TheoryHumanMotivation.pdf
2. Mornhinweg, G. C. (1996). Rest. Holistic Nursing Practice, 10(4), 54 – 60.
3. Allison, S. E. (2007). Self-Care Requirements for Activity and Rest. Nursing Science Quarterly, 20 (1), 68-76.
4. Leaf, C. (2021). The difference between rest & restoration, why resting alone is not sufficient + a 5-step neurocycle on how to effectively & sustainably restore your mind & brain. Dr. Leaf. https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/rest-versus-restoration
5. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (2025). Restore. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restore