ABSTRACT
Meyer TJ, Eveloff SE, Bauer MS, Schwartz WA, Hill NS, Millman RP.
Sleep deprivation and fragmentation occurring in the
hospital setting may have a negative impact on the respiratory system by
decreasing respiratory muscle function and ventilatory response to CO2. Sleep
deprivation in a patient with respiratory failure may, therefore, impair
recovery and weaning from mechanical ventilation. We postulate that light,
sound, and interruption levels in a weaning unit are major factors resulting in
sleep disorders and possibly circadian rhythm disruption. As an initial test of
this hypothesis, we sampled interruption levels and continuously monitored
light and sound levels for a minimum of seven consecutive days in a medical
ICU, a multiple bed respiratory care unit (RCU) room, a single-bed RCU room,
and a private room. Light levels in all areas maintained a day-night rhythm,
with peak levels dependent on window orientation and shading. Peak sound levels
were extremely high in all areas representing values significantly higher than
those recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency as acceptable for a
hospital environment. The number of sound peaks greater than 80 decibels, which
may result in sleep arousals, was especially high in the intensive and respiratory
care areas, but did show a day-night rhythm in all settings. Patient
interruptions tended to be erratic, leaving little time for condensed sleep. We
conclude that the potential for environmentally induced sleep disruption is
high in all areas, but especially high in the intensive and respiratory care
areas where the negative consequences may be the most severe. (Chest. 1994 Apr;105(4):1211-6)
Full Text: CLICK HERE
No comments:
Post a Comment