Disturbances of sleep in the intensive care unit.

Sleep can be extremely difficult to achieve in ICUs. Sleep deprivation is a major problem in the ICU and physicians should be aware of the effects of sleep deprivation on physiologic and immune function. Sleep deprivation has been associated with the ICU syndrome. Multiple factors interfere with sleep in the ICU; the single most significant cause of sleep disruption in the ICU is noise. Effective means of controlling noise and sensory overload in ICU patients must be developed. Nonpharmacologic options to enhance sleep should be considered in all ICUs. Sleep should never be considered a luxury in the ICU; it is an essential physiologic need.