The Correlation Between Humidity, Temperature, and Noise With Sleep Quality at Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Abstract

Introduction: Temperature, humidity, and noise are factors that affect sleep quality. The objective of the research is to determine the effect of humidity, temperature, and room noise on sleep quality of (Intensive Care Unit) ICU patients. Methods: A quantitative research with the cross-sectional approach, involving 84 patients taken by consecutive sampling, with the inclusion criteria of at least having already spent more than two days in ICU, having age between 20-70 years, and being conscious and cooperative. The patients were observed using observation sheets and The Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ). A thermohygrometer and sound level meter for noise recording were used to measure the temperature and humidity. Simple linear regression was used to analyze the data. Results: It was found out that the average sleep quality of patients in the intensive room was 28.51, which categorized as poor sleep quality; the mean humidity in ICU was 56.98; the room temperature was 26.40, and the noise was 66.01. The noise level at the ICU significantly affected the patients’ sleep quality (p-value = 0.020 <0.05), while temperature and humidity did not influence the patients' sleep quality. Conclusion: Most of the respondents had a poor quality of sleep. Controlling the conversation and activities among staff, using earplugs, and modifying the alarm can be done to reduce the noise at the ICU to enhance the quality of sleep of the patients.

Noise reduction in the ICU: a best practice implementation project

“…In a previous study, wherein the median noise level in the ICU was similar to that in the present study, noise was the only factor that significantly influenced patients’ sleep quality. 30 …”

“…Studies that showed significant noise reduction implemented some innovative strategies such as ‘Quiet Time’, 31 referring to when changes in staff behaviour aimed to produce less noise. The literature shows that noise reduction can be achieved, as much of the noise source is avoidable 30 and comes from infusion equipment, monitors with maladjusted vital parameter alarms, and conversations among health professionals. 32 , 33 Thus, training and awareness of nursing staff on the importance of the topic could have significantly influenced the decrease in the noise level.…”

Environmental Factors as Sleep Disturbance on Critically Ill Patients in Intensive Care Units (ICU): A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Elliott et al (2013) found several factors associated with sleep disturbances among critically ill patients in ICU were noise, lighting, interventions provided by nurses, treatment and patient illnesses (Elliott et al, 2013). Environmental noise in the ICU may result in psychological disorders such as agitation, confusion and delirium and physiological such as cardiovascular disorders and suppression of the immune response to infection or delayed healing as well as an increased need for drugs (Suparti and Suroso, 2020). Boyko et al (2012) stated that ICU noises are a major problem for critically ill patients due to medical measures such as the sound of monitors, voices of visitors, conversations between nurses which often cause sleep disturbances and lighting that is too bright so patients are easy to wake up (Boyko, Ørding and Jennum, 2012).…”

“…Sleep disorders in ICU patients can be handled by adjusting the lighting level to help patients feel calm and comfortable (Engwall et al, 2015). Another study by Suparti (2020) found that sleep quality can be improved by managing the ICU's environment, such as lowering the voice of staff conversations, lowering lighting, and arranging routine maintenance activities at night (Suparti and Suroso, 2020). Furthermore, Hu (2010) found that sleep disturbances in critically ill patients can be overcome by using ear plugs and eye masks not only to improve sleep quality but also to increase melatonin production .…”

Intervensi Eye Mask terhadap Kualitas Tidur pada Pasien Coronary Artery Disease

“…Gangguan tidur pasien di ICCU dapat ditangani dengan memodifikasi lingkungan yaitu pencahayaan berkurangnya sistem pencahayaan pada di area pasien dapat membuat pasien merasa nyaman dan tenang (Suparti & Suroso, 2020). Penanganan pasien kritis yang mengalami kesulitan tidur di ruang ICCU umumnya diberikan obat untuk meminimalkan terjadinya kegelisahan yang berdampak kesulitan tidur (Akpinar et al, 2022).…”