Effect of noise and light levels on sleep of intensive care unit patients
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Published on: August 2, 2017
Mohammad Bani Younis1, Ferial Hayajneh2, Jafar A Alshraideh3
1Princess Aisha Bint Al-Hussein College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, Maan, Jordan.
Background:
Previous studies emphasized that the noise and light levels in intensive care units (ICUs) exceeded the recommended levels by the World Health Organization and the Environmental Protection Agency. This might disturb patients' sleep in these units.
Aims And Objectives:
The aim of this study is to explore the effect of noise and light levels on the perceived quality of sleep (QOS) of patients in ICUs.
Design:
A cross-sectional exploratory correlational design was used.
Methods:
The noise and light levels were measured on an hourly basis from 10 pm to 6 am, and their impact on ICU patients' QOS was evaluated.
Results:
The overall light level correlation with the overall QOS was statistically significant at an α level of .05, r (101) = - 0.35, P < .001. The Pearson correlation between the overall ICU nocturnal sound level and patients' overall perceived QOS was statistically significant at an α level of .05, r (101) = - 0.42, P < .001.
Conclusion:
The noise and light levels in the ICUs in the selected hospitals are higher than the recommended levels. High noise and light levels have a negative correlation with the patients' QOS.
Relevance To Clinical Practice:
High levels of light and sound are associated with poor QOS among ICU patients.
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