International journal of nursing studies
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Sleep is essential for well-being and recovery from illness. The critically ill are in significant need of sleep but at increased risk of sleep loss and disruption. ⋯ There is evidence that intensive care patients' sleep is significantly disrupted. Alternative methods of quantifying sleep for intensive care patients may be required. Few large observational or interventional studies have used polysomnography and simultaneous recordings of intrinsic and extrinsic disruptive factors. These studies are required in order to improve sleep for intensive care patients.