DISTURBANCES OF SLEEP IN THE INTENSIVE-CARE UNIT

Sleep deprivation must be considered in all patients admitted to inten sive care units (ICU). The ICU syndrome as well as changes in the immu ne and respiratory systems have been associated with sleep deprivation . Patient factors, environmental factors, and physician or nursing fac tors have been demonstrated to cause sleep disturbances in the ICU. El evated noise levels are the most significant cause of sleep disruption in the ICU. Effective means of controlling noise and sensory overload in ICU patients must be developed. Nonpharmacologic interventions to enhance sleep should be considered in all ICUs. Sleep should never be considered a luxury in the ICU but an essential physiologic need.