Sleep is an essential biological function that provides important restorative psycho-physiological\nprocesses. Patients in the Intensive Care Unit are highly vulnerable to sleep disturbance which can\nprotract their recovery. Despite sleep disturbance being widely acknowledged amongst this patient\ncohort, the ability to make significant changes to minimise the burden of sleep deprivation remains a\nchallenge. This is further compounded by the difficulties faced by clinicians to identify and implement\naccurate and feasible sleep monitoring techniques in the intensive care. Whilst objective, behavioural\nand subjective methods of sleep assessment exist, all have specific limitations when applied to critically\nill patients. In an attempt to illuminate these issues, current sleep monitoring techniques are appraised.
Loading....