Effect of Sleep Promotion in the Critical Care Unit. Dissertation, Abstract and211 Executive Summary

摘要

The primary objective of this research was to measure the impact of soft foam211u001eearplugs to reduce noise during the night time hours on the sleep of critically 211u001eill subjects. Patients greater than or equal to 18 years of age who met the 211u001eenrollment criteria were studied using a randomized, unblinded, crossover study 211u001edesign. Polysomnographic sleep was measured on two nights with one 'washout' 211u001enight in between; the order of earplugs was randomly assigned. Other potentially 211u001eimportant sleep disrupters were also measured. Five males and eight females (12 211u001esubjects were mechanically ventilated) were studied. Significantly more REM sleep 211u001ewas obtained on the night earplugs were worn. All subjects sleep architecture was 211u001eseverly disturbed compared to normal, with or without earplugs. An increased 211u001eopportunity for sleep on the night earplugs were worn was evident. Sleep 211u001earchitecture during the day and afternoon hours was measured in seven subjects 211u001eand was grossly abnormal. The study provides a reasonable basis to use earplugs 211u001ebecause earplugs did provide more REM sleep, and over time, the effects might be 211u001eclinically important. Before efficacy of sleep as therapy can be tested, 211u001eeffective interventions are needed.