How Sleep Quality and Body Clock Problems Change in Intensive Care Patients

Sleep and circadian rhythm are reported to be severely abnormal in critically ill patients.

• Disturbed sleep can lead to delirium, which may prolong ICU stay and increase mortality.
• Many critically ill patients show an absence of normal sleep characteristics in polysomnography assessments.
• A modified classification for sleep scoring in critically ill patients has been proposed but remains unvalidated.
• Factors such as the ICU environment, mechanical ventilation, and medications are associated with sleep disturbances.
• The secretion of melatonin, a hormone linked to sleep regulation, may be abolished or phase delayed in these patients.
• Inconclusive results from interventions aiming to improve sleep quality stem from limitations in sleep assessment methods.

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