Snoezelen Room for Mental Health

May is National Mental Health Month—a timely reminder for those on the front lines of care to also care for themselves.

As nurses, we're trained to prioritize others: to respond to emergencies, comfort patients, and support families. But amid long shifts, emotional demands, and high-pressure environments, it's easy to neglect our well-being. Stress, anxiety, and even burnout can quietly creep in, affecting not only our health but also our ability to thrive.

That's why therapeutic tools like Snoezelen rooms are worth exploring—not just for patients but also for caregivers.

What is a Snoezelen Room?

Initially developed in the 1970s by two Dutch therapists, the Snoezelen concept began as a sensory tent designed to help individuals with intellectual disabilities enjoy a local fair. The name blends Dutch words for seeking and relaxing—a perfect metaphor for what these rooms offer: a place to explore comfort, calm, and inner peace.

Today, Snoezelen Multi-Sensory Environments are found in hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, and therapeutic settings worldwide. While they're commonly used for people with developmental disabilities, dementia, and Alzheimer's, these spaces are also beneficial for anyone experiencing sensory overload, emotional fatigue, or mental health challenges.

Why It Matters for Nurses

Nurses often operate in high-stimulus, high-stress environments. Snoezelen rooms offer the opposite: a retreat for the senses. These spaces can be customized with:

• Soft lighting (like fiber optics or bubble tubes)

• Gentle sounds (soothing music, nature sounds)

• Comfortable seating (bean bags, mats, or recliners)

• Tactile elements (textured pillows, stretchable objects)

• Aromatherapy (lavender, eucalyptus, or other calming scents)

Even a short session in such a space can help you reset, refocus, and breathe again.

Suggestions for Nurses:

For Yourself:

• Advocate for a quiet sensory space in your hospital or clinic.

• Use elements of Snoezelen design at home, such as soft lighting, calming scents, and a playlist of soothing music.

• Take 10-minute sensory breaks during your shift, even if it's just dimming the lights and closing your eyes with a lavender-scented mask.

You can't pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing your mental health allows you to show up more fully for your patients, your loved ones, and most importantly, yourself.

To learn more about Snoezelen therapy and how it might support your self-care or practice, visit the link below.

Reference:

Snoezelen® Multi-Sensory Environments (2025). History. Retrieved from https://snoezelen.info/history/