Журнал расстройств сна и терапии
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Understanding Sleep Patterns and Sleep Disorders in ICU: Role of Respiratory Physiotherapy in Improving Sleep Quality for Critically ILL Patients

Raquel Fonseca Soares, Vivien Schmeling Piccin*

Sleep and wakefulness schedules must be organized appropriately for the human body's adequate functioning. Within the sleep-wake cycle, sleep is an active process for promoting physical and mental health. Behavioral or respiratory sleep disorders increase the risk of body disorders, such as increased blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, depression, immune system deficits, and disruptions in neurophysiological organization. In the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), sleep disturbances can lead to delirium, prolonged intensive care stay, and increased mortality.

The presence of sleep disorders in critically ill patients is a severe problem. It is directly related to the exposure of these individuals to exogenous and endogenous factors that impair their sleep quality. Pharmacological and non- pharmacological measures can be implemented to promote quality sleep for ICU patients. Still, they require coordinated efforts and a change in the culture and behavior of ICU care structures. In this context, the respiratory physiotherapist plays a fundamental role, possessing the skills to develop and implement measures that contribute to better sleep quality for critically ill patients.