ICU sleep protocol shows an uncertain signal for less delirium
A randomized trial in older surgical patients suggested possible benefit, without a measurable improvement in reported sleep quality.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Older surgical ICU patients assigned to a sleep-support protocol had fewer delirium cases than those receiving usual care. The estimate remained uncertain, with a credible interval compatible with benefit or harm. Sleep-quality scores and other clinical outcomes did not differ significantly, making this an early signal that needs confirmation.
The authors call these findings hypothesis-generating and seek larger multicenter trials. Sleep was assessed subjectively, and use of earplugs and eye masks was only moderate.
What researchers found
Delirium during ICU care
Odds ratio for the sleep protocol versus usual care; delirium occurred in 10.1% versus 17.0% over 7 days.
What the protocol included
The protocol combined changes to noise, light, doors and alarms with earplugs and eye masks. Because these measures were delivered together, the abstract cannot identify whether a particular component contributed to the delirium pattern.
How to read the uncertainty
The Bayesian analysis favored a reduction in delirium, but uncertainty remained wide. The absence of a significant sleep-score difference also means the trial did not establish improved perceived sleep as the explanation for that pattern.
The original publication
Effects of a multicomponent sleep enhancement protocol on delirium incidence in elderly critically ill surgical patients: a randomized controlled trial.
Kitisin N, Lao-Amornphunkul S, Hemtanon N et al.
J Intensive Care · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41185060
- Record checked
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