The effect of sleep-oriented non-pharmacological interventions in preventing delirium: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Aim: To systematically review randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of sleep-oriented non-pharmacological interventions for delirium prevention in intensive care units.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of sleep-oriented, non-pharmacological interventions for delirium prevention in intensive care units published in English between 2019 and 2024. The methodological quality of the included studies was independently evaluated by two researchers using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool.

Results: This review included eight randomized controlled trials (n = 649). Six studies assessed the effect of earplugs and masks on delirium prevention in intensive care patients. Three studies indicated that earplugs and eye masks effectively prevented delirium, while three studies found no effect. One study assessed the use of earplugs and masks as part of a bundle of interventions and reported a positive effect. Four studies showed an effect on sleep. None of the sleep-oriented non-pharmacological interventions assessed in these studies reported any harmful effects.

Conclusion: Although several high-quality studies showed that these interventions significantly lowered delirium incidence, some trials found no effect, highlighting variability in outcomes.