We found variation in sleep promotion interventions across European regions with few ICUs using sleep assessment questionnaires or sleep promoting protocols. However, many ICUs perceive implementation of sleep protocols important, particularly those in central Europe.

Aim To get an insight into 1) how Norwegian intensive care registered nurses (RNs) assess patients’ sleep and sedative needs, and 2) to survey factors of importance for critically ill patients in Norwegian intensive care units to promote sleep. Background Patients in intensive care units suffer from sleep disturbances. The lack of sleep may cause physical and psychological disturbances, increased morbidity and prolonged stay. The nurses evaluate patients’ sleep mainly based on their own perception. Method All nurse managers of the adult intensive care units in Norway were contacted to answer a survey. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and teaching and non-teaching hospitals were compared. Findings RNs were aware of sleep disturbances and used several strategies to promote sleep. The most commonly used interventions were to turn off lights, to shield the patient with curtains, to reduce noise from staff, to use a clock and to reduce nursing interventions during the nights. Nurses felt that they had a great influence on patients’ sleeping practices. Conclusion RNs reported to have an influence on sleep practice and to actively promote sleep in the intensive care unit. Sleep-assessment tools were not routinely used, but the use of sedation-assessment tools were common.