The Impact of Sleep Disturbance on Intensive Care Patients

Abstract

Background: Sleep definition: According to a simple behavioral definition, sleep is a reversible behavioral state of perceptual disengagement from and unresponsiveness to the environment. It is a complex amalgam of physiologic and behavioral processes. Sleep is typically (but not necessarily) accompanied by postural recumbence, behavioral quiescence, closed eye and all the other indicators one commonly associates with sleeping. Aims: This essay discusses the impact of environmental factors: noise, light and clinical care interactions on patients' sleep, the psychophysiological consequences and management of sleep disturbance in ICU patients. Conclusion: Sleep is considered to be an essential biological function to maintain physiological and emotional wellbeing. Future research should be directed at identifying an accurate and feasible sleep monitoring method to facilitate the ability to implement strategies that endeavour to promote sleep and recovery, whilst decreasing the associated complications linked to sleep deprivation. Keywords: Noise, Light, Sleep Disturbance, Intensive Care Patients