Pharmacology I: effects on sleep of commonly used ICU medications

Crit Care Clin. 2008 Jul;24(3):477-91, vi. doi: 10.1016/j.ccc.2008.02.008.

Abstract

Critically ill patients are almost universally administered medications to treat their acute illnesses and to maximize their comfort. The effects of many of these medications on their sleep, however, may be important. It is known that critically ill patients have severely disrupted sleep and that this disrupted sleep has a negative impact on ICU outcomes. This article reviews how some commonly used ICU medications may affect patients' sleep.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units*
  • Restless Legs Syndrome
  • Sleep Apnea Syndromes
  • Sleep Stages / drug effects*