Sleep-promoting non-pharmacological interventions to prevent delirium in the critically ill: scoping review

Introduction: Delirium is a syndrome characterised by an acute onset, with signs of acute brain dysfunction and fluctuations in the state of consciousness. The initial approach is based on the use of non-pharmacological measures to prevent the onset of symptoms. Impaired sleep is recognised as a potentially modifiable risk factor, influencing the recovery of the person in critical condition. Objective: To map sleep-promoting non-pharmacological interventions in the prevention of delirium in the critically ill. Methods: The study consists of a Scoping Review that includes adult and elderly people in critical condition and non-pharmacological interventions that promote sleep in the prevention of delirium. The aim is to answer the question: "What are the non-pharmacological interventions that promote sleep in the prevention of delirium in adults and the elderly in critical condition?". Included were quantitative, qualitative, or mixed studies, systematic reviews, grey literature, texts, and opinion articles authored in the health field, available in full text, in Portuguese, Spanish, or English. Results: The results were obtained from fourteen articles and are divided into two categories: environmental control (light control and noise control) and care planning and management. The use of multicomponent interventions has been shown to be an effective strategy in promoting sleep for the prevention of delirium in adults and elderly people in critical situations. Conclusion: The implementation of a sleep improvement protocol reduces the incidence of delirium. There is a need for primary research to understand the effect of short- and long-term interventions and the direct relationship between sleep and delirium.