Association between sleep disturbance and physiological parameters of critically ill patients

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Background Adequate sleep quality is required for maintaining the mental and physical health for patients in critical care units (CCUs). Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the association between sleep disturbance and physiological parameters in critically ill patients. Study design and Methods: A descriptive exploratory study was conducted on purposive sample of 100 critically ill patients in a mixed critical care unit at Assiut University Main Hospital, Egypt. The sleep quality and quantity of each previous night were assessed by using ST Mary’s Hospital Sleep questionnaires which was completed every day in the morning between 7 AM and 9 AM for four consecutive days (the 1st day of admission to CCU concerning the first night of sleep in the CCU and 3 consecutive days). Pulse, respiration, and mean arterial blood pressure were evaluated every two hours daily for four days. Results: The majority of the study sample (98%) complaining from moderated sleep disturbance, which is positively correlated with physiological parameters (heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure and respiration). Conclusion: Poor sleep quality causes significant changes in heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure and respiration among patients in CCUs. Recommendations: These findings suggest the need to educate nurses in critical care units on how to assess sleep and to take measures to maintain adequate sleep and then added these to routine care of patients in CCUs