Sleep deprivation from the perspective of a patient hospitalized in the intensive care unit—qualitative study (21 September 2020)

Summary

The aim of the study was to describe the experiences related to sleep and night time rest of patients hospitalised in the intensive care unit (ICU). The study used a qualitative project based on phenomenology as a research method. A semi-structured interview was used as the method to achieve the goal. The patients’ answers were recorded and transcribed. The data were coded and cross-processed.

Five themes were identified from the interview as factors disturbing sleep: fear, noise, light, medical staff, and at home best.

Chronic anxiety appears to contribute to sleep disturbances in the ICUs, psychological support, and individualised approach to the hospitalised patient seem necessary. By raising the awareness of the essence of sleep among medical staff, environmental factors can be reduced as disturbing sleep. Based on the participants’ comments, it is possible that repeated actions could also increase the patients’ sense of security.