Quantity and quality of patients' sleep and sleep ‐disturbing factors in a respiratory intensive care unit

This descriptive study using continuous polygraphic recording, observation and interview attempted to identify the quantity and quality of sleep and the factors which disturbed the sleep of selected patients in a respiratory intensive care unit. Documentation of behaviour which might be related to sleep deprivation and identification of factors which the patients perceived as interfering with rest and sleep were also recorded. It was concluded that patients had difficulty meeting their ‘normal’ needs for sleep due to frequent interruptions and possible sleep‐disturbing factors. Behavioural changes related to sleep deprivation were observed.