Understanding how sleep affects delirium in ICU patients
Official title: Evaluating the Role of Sleep in the Development of Intensive Care Unit Delirium
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11087537 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $237,863 |
| NIH project number | 5R00NR019862-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087537 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 65 and older who are scheduled for thoracic surgery and will require ICU care post-operatively.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 years or those not undergoing thoracic surgery may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cordoza, Makayla — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Cordoza, Makayla
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.