ICU makeover: light and sound tweaks may help patients sleep

NCT ID NCT05694052

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested a combination of dynamic light therapy, sound masking, and changes to nighttime care routines in 56 ICU patients recovering from critical illness. The goal was to see if these environmental changes could improve sleep quality and quantity, measured by brain wave monitoring and other methods. The researchers also looked at whether better sleep could reduce delirium and improve long-term recovery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Multifaceted intervention of environment control (dynamic light therapy, auditory masking, and rationalization of ICU nocturnal patient activities)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could lead to a simple, non-drug way to improve sleep and reduce delirium in ICU patients, potentially improving recovery and quality of life after hospital discharge.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial with only 56 patients, so results may not apply to all ICU patients. The intervention is complex and may be hard to implement consistently in different hospitals.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Parasomnias sleep disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SLEEP DISTURBANCE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hospital Clínico UC CHRISTUS

Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan, 8330024, Chile

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