Efficacy of controlling night-time noise and activities to improve patients’ sleep quality in a surgical intensive care unit

Shu-Yen Li

Authors: Shu-Yen Li , MSN, RN, Nursing Supervisor, Department of Nursing, Tri-Service General Hospital, Neihu; Tsae-Jyy Wang , PhD, RN, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Science; Shu Fang Vivienne Wu , PhD, RN, Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Science; Shu-Yuan Liang , PhD, RN, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Science; Heng-Hsin Tung , PhD, RN, Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Science, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan

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Tsae-Jyy Wang,

Tsae-Jyy Wang

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Shu F Vivienne Wu,

Shu F Vivienne Wu

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Shu-Yuan Liang,

Shu-Yuan Liang

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Heng-Hsin Tung,

Heng-Hsin Tung

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Shu-Yen Li,

Shu-Yen Li

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Tsae-Jyy Wang,

Tsae-Jyy Wang

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Shu F Vivienne Wu,

Shu F Vivienne Wu

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Shu-Yuan Liang,

Shu-Yuan Liang

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Heng-Hsin Tung,

Heng-Hsin Tung

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First published: 11 January 2011

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2010.03507.x

Citations: 126

Tsae-Jyy Wang, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, 365 Ming-te Road, Peitou, Taipei 10845, Taiwan. Telephone: +886 2 8227101 ext. 3193.
E-mail:[email protected]

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Abstract

Aim. The aim of the study was to test the efficacy of sleep care guidelines for controlling night-time noise and improving sleep quality of patients in a surgical intensive care unit.

Background. Poor sleep quality places critically ill patients at greater risk for infection, complications and mortality. Environmental stimuli such as noises, continuous lighting and frequent care-related activities in an intensive care unit interfere with patients’ sleep.

Design. The study used a quasi-experimental design.

Method. Sixty surgical patients were recruited from an intensive care unit in Taiwan during December 2007–May 2008. The control group received the usual care, and the experimental group was cared for by nurses who followed the sleep care guidelines for noise and light reduction. Data were collected on noise level and sleep quality using the Sleep in the Intensive Care Unit Questionnaire, the Richards Campbell Sleep Questionnaire and a decibel meter.

Results. The results showed that both the peak sound level (χ² = 50·1, p < 0·001) and average noise level (χ² = 46·5, p < 0·001) were reduced significantly, after implementing the guidelines. The perceived noise (t = −2·07, p = 0·046) and sleep interruptions from care-related activities (t = 5·282, p < 0·001) and noises (t = 4·361, p < 0·001) were all significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group. The experimental group also reported better sleep quality (t = −2·28, p = 0·027) and sleep efficiency (t = −2·03, p = 0·047) than did the control group.

Conclusions. These results support the efficacy of the guidelines for controlling night-time noise and care activities to improve patients’ sleep quality.

Relevance to clinical practice. Nurses should try to reduce external environmental stimuli and maintain an almost undisturbed period between midnight and 5:00 a.m. to enhance patients’ sleep in a surgical intensive care unit.

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Volume20, Issue3-4

February 2011

Pages 396-407

Efficacy of controlling night-time noise and activities to improve patients’ sleep quality in a surgical intensive care unit

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Efficacy of controlling night-time noise and activities to improve patients’ sleep quality in a surgical intensive care unit

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