Assessing and Treating Sleep Problems in Family Caregivers of Intensive Care Unit Patients

The authors describe the impact of sleep loss on the physical and emotional health of individuals and the effect that reduction in stimuli, relaxation, and a healthy sleep routine can have on a caregiver's ability to reduce sleep loss. A sleep evaluation questionnaire is provided, with suggestions for behavioral techniques that can reduce sleep loss.

Stress is inevitable when a loved one is being treated in an intensive care unit (ICU). Anxiety, fear, and uncertainty all contribute to sleep loss and feelings of exhaustion in the family members of patients before and after the patients’ discharge from the hospital. Research¹ has indicated that family caregivers of patients discharged home from ICUs experience increases in anxiety and depression. These increases may occur because patients are often discharged home when they are still experiencing health-related problems that require care from family members.² To be physically and emotionally prepared to care...