Understanding how sleep affects delirium in ICU patients

Evaluating the Role of Sleep in the Development of Intensive Care Unit Delirium

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University · NIH-11087537

This study is looking at how sleep patterns might affect older adults who are in the ICU after thoracic surgery, to see if poor sleep could lead to confusion or delirium during their hospital stay, with the goal of finding ways to help them feel better.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11087537 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between sleep patterns and the development of delirium in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). It focuses on older adults, particularly those undergoing thoracic surgery, to evaluate how disrupted sleep may contribute to cognitive dysfunction during their ICU stay. By assessing patients' sleep before and during their ICU admission, the study aims to identify predictors of delirium and improve patient outcomes. The approach includes monitoring sleep architecture and duration to understand its impact on cognitive health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 65 and older who are scheduled for thoracic surgery and will require ICU care post-operatively.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 years or those not undergoing thoracic surgery may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing delirium in ICU patients, enhancing their recovery and long-term cognitive health.

How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between sleep and delirium has been suggested, this research takes a novel approach by rigorously evaluating baseline sleep in ICU patients, making it a potentially groundbreaking investigation.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.