Nighttime low-frequency noise in the ICU is associated with sleep structure disturbance and increased delirium risk in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
In a study of 172 MODS patients, 72-h LAeq was highest in the low-frequency band, and delirium incidence was 47.67%. Nighttime low-frequency noise was positively correlated with sleep latency and awakenings, and negatively correlated with slow-wave sleep and REM sleep proportions. Multivariate logistic regression identified elevated nighttime low-frequency noise and decreased SWS and REM proportions as independent risk factors for delirium.
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Nighttime low-frequency noise in the ICU is associated with sleep structure disturbance and increased delirium risk in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 32/100 (low).
The Claim
Nighttime low-frequency noise in the ICU is associated with sleep structure disturbance and increased delirium risk in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
This conclusion is most relevant to: 172 patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome admitted to Zhoushan Hospital ICU from January 2021 to September 2025.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Association of Intensive Care Unit Noise Spectrum with Delirium and Sleep Structure Disturbance in Patients with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome. (Noise & health, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Nighttime low-frequency noise exposure in ICU
- ▸Disruption of sleep structure (increased sleep latency and awakenings, decreased SWS and REM)
- ▸Altered brain recovery and neuroinflammation
- ▸Increased risk of delirium
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸172 patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome admitted to Zhoushan Hospital ICU from January 2021 to September 2025
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Single-center study design may limit generalizability
- ▸Observational nature cannot establish causality between noise and delirium
Frequently Asked Questions
What noise frequency band was most strongly associated with delirium?▼
Low-frequency noise, particularly at nighttime, showed the strongest association with delirium and sleep disturbance.
How was delirium assessed in this study?▼
Delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) within 7 days of admission.
Did the study find any protective sleep factors?▼
Higher proportions of slow-wave sleep and REM sleep were associated with lower delirium risk.
What were the noise levels compared to WHO limits?▼
Daytime and nighttime LAeq exceeded World Health Organization limits for noise in hospital environments.
References
- 1.Jin B, Liu M, Wang Y. “Association of Intensive Care Unit Noise Spectrum with Delirium and Sleep Structure Disturbance in Patients with Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome..” Noise & health, 2026. PMID: 42446331 DOI: 10.4103/nah.nah_59_26