Recent Evidence on Factors and Potential Interventions Affecting Patient Sleep in Inpatient and Hospital Settings

Abstract Purpose of review Sleep is a critical but frequently disrupted part of hospital care, affecting patient recovery, length of stay, and physical and mental health. This review examines recent evidence (2022–2026) on why inpatient sleep is disrupted and how interventions can mitigate disturbance across different patient groups and hospital settings. Recent findings Findings span five domains: environmental factors such as noise and light, hospital infrastructure and room configuration, patient-related factors including pain and anxiety, care routines, and interventions. Recent high-quality trials and meta-analyses increasingly support nonpharmacological strategies - including environmental modification, care-routine restructuring, and sensory therapies - while evidence for pharmacological agents such as melatonin remains weak outside specific contexts. Summary This review highlights the multifactorial nature of sleep disruption in hospital settings. Prioritizing patient sleep through evidence-based, sustainable strategies can support faster recovery, reduce complications, and improve overall care quality, yet poor sleep remains pervasive. Current evidence supports system-level interventions (workflow restructuring, environmental redesign) and low-cost measures (earplugs, sleep masks, physical therapy) to improve sleep related outcomes including delirium, pain, and length of stay.