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Written By: Admin | Updated : October 22, 2012 8:09 PM IST
Overnight noise levels in ICUs were found at over 80 decibel which causes sleep deprivation and immune dysfunction. WHO recommends high of just 30 dB!
Expecting pin-drop silence in intensive care units? Well according to a US study, overnight noise levels there were found at over 80 decibel, well above the WHO recommended high of just 30 dB,. At that level, the noise causes sleep deprivation and immune dysfunction among patients.
Yale University School of Medicine researchers reviewed 70 ICU patient charts and recorded in-room activities between midnight and 4:00 a.m. Based on this chart review and through direct observation, they also identified key elements of nocturnal patient disruption.
Results showed significant in-room activity and sound level maximums that exceeded 83 dB every hour between midnight and 4:00 a.m. in every patient room monitored. This exceeds the 30 dB sound levels recommended by WHO, according to a Yale statement.
Researchers conclude that sleep disruption in the ICU is prevalent and may be linked to delirium and immune dysfunction, as well as potentially worse outcomes due to patient sleep deprivation.
This study was presented during CHEST 2012, the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians, held Oct 20-25, 2012, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Source: IANS
