Sleep and critical care

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sleep distortion has been studied as an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality; however, this role in the ICU patients is unclear. These patients suffer from psychological and physiological stressors and significant disturbance in sleep. We conducted a systematic review of all recent data over the last decade to elaborate the extent and implications of sleep disruption in the ICU. RECENT FINDINGS: Despite adequate data proving that ICU patients have poor quality of sleep over the last three decades, the implications of the sleep distortion in this patient population remains misunderstood. Recently, the Whitehall cohort trial has raised interest in sleep and mortality and substantial data have surfaced regarding prevalence of sleep disturbance in the ICU. SUMMARY: This article discusses the available data on sleep disruption in patients in the ICU and implications with discussion of effects of ventilators and commonly used medications in the ICU. We will conclude with interventions to improve sleep in the intensive care setting.