Sleep quality and associated factors in conscious patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63688/1s48n341Keywords:
sleep quality, intensive care units, critical care, adult, nursing careAbstract
Sleep quality in conscious patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs) is affected by multiple factors; therefore, it is necessary to improve rest and promote an optimal environment during hospitalization. Objective: To analyze the available scientific evidence regarding sleep quality and associated factors in conscious adult patients hospitalized in intensive care units. Methodology: A systematic literature review with a narrative synthesis approach was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The search was carried out in the PubMed and SciELO databases during the 2021–2026 period. Original studies related to sleep quality and associated factors in adult ICU patients were included. Results: The included studies showed that sleep disturbances in critically ill patients are mainly associated with environmental factors such as noise, artificial lighting, and nighttime healthcare activities, as well as clinical and psychological factors including pain, anxiety, disease severity, mechanical ventilation, and invasive devices. Furthermore, sleep disturbances were associated with delirium and neurocognitive alterations. Non-pharmacological interventions, particularly noise reduction, light control, and reorganization of nighttime care, demonstrated favorable results in improving rest. Conclusions: Sleep quality in ICU patients is affected by multiple environmental, clinical, psychological, and healthcare-related factors that interact during hospitalization. Non-pharmacological interventions and nursing care play an important role in promoting rest and supporting comprehensive critical patient care.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jessica Pamela Correa Quito, Adriana Jazmín Echaiz Del Pezo, Diego Andrés Cabezas López (Autor/a)
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