Factors affecting sleep quality in Intensive Care Units

• Published in: Medicina intensiva
• Main Authors: Bernat Adell, M D, Galarza Barrachina, L, Bisbal Andrés, E, Cebrián Graullera, G, Pagés Aznar, G, Morán Marmaneu, M Á, Ferrandiz Selles, M D, Melgarejo Urendez, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Spanish
• Published: 01-11-2021
• ISSN: 1578-6749
• DOI: 10.1016/j.medin.2020.03.016

OBJECTIVETo report sleep quality and identify related factors.DESIGNA descriptive cross-sectional study was made with a convenience sample of 129 patients. The differences between 3periods were evaluated using the Wilcoxon test and Spearman correlation r. Multiple regression analyses were performed to relate independent variables to sleep quality.SETTINGThe Department of Intensive Care Medicine of a tertiary hospital.PARTICIPANTSPatients admitted between February 2016 and December 2017.INTERVENTIONSQuestionnaire administration.VARIABLESItems of the modified Freedman questionnaire, and demographic and clinical variables.RESULTSExternal factors interfering with sleep quality were noise and constant light exposure in the 3periods, with significant differences between these periods in nursing care (P=0.005) and nursing activities (P=0.019). The other factors affecting sleep quality and identified by the multivariate regression model were age (P=0.012), daily alcohol intake (P=0.023), benzodiazepine use during admission to the ICU (P=0.01) and comorbidities (P=0.005). There were significant differences in sleepiness between discharge and the first day (P≤0.029) and between discharge and half stay (P=0.001).CONCLUSIONSNoise and light were the most annoying factors, but statistical significance was only reached for nursing activities and care. Age, alcohol intake, benzodiazepine use in the ICU and a higher comorbidity index had a negative impact upon sleep. Sleepiness was reduced at the end of stay.