Healing Care Environment and Sleep in Pediatric Intensive Care

This randomized controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effects of non-pharmacological interventions used within the framework of a healing care environment on sleep disturbances in children hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The study aimed to support sleep quality by reducing environmental stimuli and promoting comfort through supportive nursing interventions. The interventions included the use of an eye mask and headphones with audiobooks in addition to standard nursing care. Children aged 6-15 years who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to control and intervention groups. Sleep disturbances were evaluated using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children, and physiological parameters including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature were monitored throughout the study process. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to evidence-based non-pharmacological nursing interventions aimed at improving sleep quality and supportive care practices in the PICU environment.

Inclusion Criteria: * Being between 6 and 15 years of age * Being hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit * Not being intubated * Not being monitored under sedation * Having a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 13 or higher * Obtaining written and verbal informed consent from the child and the legal guardian Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of neurological disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy, epilepsy, neuromuscular diseases, mental retardation) * Active central nervous system infection (meningitis, encephalitis) or sepsis * Presence of visual or hearing impairment * Continuous use of medications that may affect sleep patterns (e.g., anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antihistamines) * Administration of sedative medication during the follow-up period * Length of stay in the pediatric intensive care unit being less than three days