Quiet time interventions in the intensive care unit can improve patients' sleep quality and have positive physiological effects on them, according to a study published in Nursing Standard.
Researchers conducted a literature review of studies that investigated the effects of quiet time interventions in adult ICUs. They searched three databases and included seven articles in the review.
The study shows quiet time interventions helped improve sleep quality among patients as well as provided some physiological benefits, as demonstrated by reductions in respiratory rates, the administration of sedatives and incidence of delirium, indicating restfulness.
Additionally, nurses reported "an increasingly satisfying workplace environment following quiet time interventions," according to the study.