Are Brighter Days Ahead? Light and Sound in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

PURPOSE. Though intended to heal, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) environments are often a source of stress for patients and families. Disturbances in patient sleep quantity and quality are thought to be due to loss of the day/night cycle and continuous light and noise exposure. Environmental disruptions may exacerbate delirium, which is associated with increased ventilator days and mortality in children. ICU sound levels frequently exceed World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations; there are no similar standards for hospital light. Little PICU-specific data exists. The purpose of this study was to describe light and …