Prison Sleep Schedules: All-Day Slumber Allowed?

Sleep is a critical part of life, and its importance extends to prisoners. While prisoners may not have the luxury of a comfortable bed or a quiet environment, they still need to get a good night's rest. Prisons can be loud and disruptive, with the constant noise of officers' keys, banging doors, and screaming or loud talking. Inmates may also experience anxiety and safety concerns, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night. Additionally, the lighting conditions in prisons may not always be ideal for sleeping, with some prisons keeping lights on all night or having bright night lights. Despite these challenges, prisoners need to maintain a healthy sleep schedule to avoid the negative consequences of sleep deprivation, such as weight gain, memory problems, and an increased risk of diabetes and depression.

Prison wake-up times

Prisoners' wake-up times vary depending on the prison's security level and the prisoners' work assignments. In close security prisons, where inmates remain inside the prison 24 hours a day, the first inmates to be awakened are the kitchen workers, who get up at around 3:30 am to prepare the morning meal. All other inmates are usually awakened at 6 am for the formal inmate count. In medium security prisons, inmates tend to wake up at 5:30 am, with 45 minutes to shower, clean up, and make their beds before breakfast. In minimum security prisons, inmates are awakened at 6 am and have time to shower, dress, make their beds, and prepare for breakfast.

Prisoners who are not kitchen workers tend to have breakfast between 6:15 and 7:15 am, depending on the prison's security level and their work assignments. After breakfast, prisoners may have time to clean their cells, exercise, or socialise before heading to their work assignments at 7:30 am.

It is important to note that prison operations and inmate schedules may vary, and the above information provides a general overview of typical wake-up times in different types of prisons.

Sleep deprivation in prison

Sleep deprivation is a persistent health and safety crisis in prisons and jails. Inmates are often woken up in the middle of the night for security checks, medication, or emergency counts. The lights in prison cells are often left on all night, and the constant noise from clanging doors and yelling people can make it difficult for inmates to fall asleep. In some cases, inmates are forced to sleep on the floor due to overcrowding or processing delays, and the mattresses provided may be mouldy or inadequate. These factors contribute to sleep deprivation, which can have serious mental and physical health consequences for inmates.

In recent years, there has been increasing litigation over sleep deprivation in US jails and prisons. Inmates have filed lawsuits alleging that conditions such as noise, inadequate bedding, constant illumination, medication restrictions, and early wake-up times violate their rights by disrupting their sleep. Judges have recognised that sleep deprivation can constitute cruel and unusual punishment, and have ordered jails and prisons to implement changes to improve sleeping conditions.

The impact of sleep deprivation on inmates' health and well-being is significant. Sleep deprivation can lead to cognitive impairment, making it difficult for inmates to understand and cooperate with legal proceedings. It can also contribute to mental health issues such as depression and increase the risk of suicide. Additionally, sleep deprivation can have physical health consequences, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

To address sleep deprivation in prisons, officials can implement several measures. Providing cleaner and better-quality bedding, ensuring comfortable temperatures, and dimming lights in the evening can improve sleeping conditions. Adjusting schedules and protocols to minimise interruptions during the night, such as reducing the frequency of security checks and moving medication and meal times, can also help. Reducing overcrowding by releasing low-risk offenders can decrease noise levels and improve sleep quality. These changes are crucial for promoting healthy sleep and mitigating the adverse effects of sleep deprivation on inmates' health and well-being.

While the specific schedules and routines may vary across different prisons and security levels, a typical day in prison involves waking up early, completing assigned tasks or work, attending meals, engaging in recreational activities or religious programs, and having designated sleep hours.

Sleep tips for prisoners

Prison life can be challenging when it comes to getting a good night's sleep. From the noise of officers' keys, banging doors, snoring cellmates, and flushing toilets, to the stress and anxiety of being in a foreign environment, there are many obstacles to a peaceful night's rest. Here are some tips to help you get a better sleep while behind bars:

• Make your sleeping area as comfortable as possible: Purchase earplugs, a small fan, or a radio with headphones to block out external noises. Adjust your blankets and pillows to make your bed more comfortable.
• Be kind to your body and mind: Avoid caffeine after 2 pm and refrain from eating or exercising right before bedtime. Try to exercise and eat healthily during the day. You can also buy melatonin, an over-the-counter sleep aid, to help you fall asleep.
• Pray and read scripture: Many prisoners have found that prayer and reading scripture have helped them to sleep better. Surrendering their worries and anxieties to a higher power has brought peace and improved sleep.
• Write out your worries: Journaling can be an effective way to get thoughts and worries out of your head and onto paper, helping to clear your mind for better rest.
• Find your 'happy place': If negative thoughts are keeping you awake, try to change your thoughts. Find a personal "mental safe place," somewhere you've been that has positive memories, preferably in nature. Visualize this place and engage your senses to make the image more vivid until you feel calm.
• Breathe and count: Place your hand on your stomach and focus on your breath. Breathe slowly in through your nose for a count of five and out through your mouth for a count of five, for a total of five minutes. Alternatively, try counting backward from 300 by threes; the concentration required may help take your mind off your worries and put you to sleep faster.
• If you're still anxious, try grounding exercises: Observe your surroundings and slowly list, out loud, five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you, and then stick to a consistent routine.

Prison cell lighting

It is important to note that while the lights may be dimmed or turned off in the prison cells, there may still be lighting in other areas of the prison. For example, in Santa Rita Jail in California, the lights outside the cell doors remain on during the night, and "night lights" inside the cells are reportedly "bright enough to permit reading". Therefore, while inmates may have the opportunity to sleep during the night, the lighting conditions may vary and may not always be completely dark.

Surviving a night in jail

Spending a night in jail can be a scary and anxiety-filled experience, especially if it's your first time. Here are some tips to help you survive a night in jail:

Before Entering Jail

• Stay calm and positive. Remind yourself that this is just one night, and you will get through it.
• Contact your lawyer or advocate. They can help ensure your release goes smoothly and that your rights are protected.
• Memorise a reliable person's phone number. In case you need to make a collect call, you may only have a few seconds to record your name, so be prepared.

Following Rules and Interacting with Correctional Officers

• Comply with the correction officers' instructions as long as they do not put you in harm's way or violate your safety.
• Be quick and polite when following their instructions, and avoid displaying any attitude.
• Only refuse to comply if you believe your rights are being directly violated, such as in cases of abuse or rape.

Dealing with Other Inmates

• Do not show fear. In the jail context, fear is often equated with weakness, which may make you a target.
• Avoid appearing overly tough, as this may invite challenges from other inmates.
• Control your emotions. Crying or shaking may make you seem vulnerable and a target for bullying.
• Request a single cell if possible. This will reduce the chances of encountering troublemakers or bullies.
• Avoid sleeping in a shared cell. If you need to rest, sit with your back against the wall instead of lying down.
• Keep to yourself and avoid initiating conversations. Drawing attention to yourself may lead to unwanted attention and potential harassment.
• Refuse any favours politely. Accepting or requesting favours may signal vulnerability and invite unwanted attention.
• Be careful when looking at or engaging with other inmates. Avoid making direct eye contact, but always be aware of their presence and location.
• Own your crime. Be honest about what you did, but don't offer unnecessary details or judge others for their crimes.

Remember, your priority should be to keep a low profile, ensure your safety, and comply with instructions to the extent that they do not compromise your rights or well-being.

Frequently asked questions