A systematic review and proposed conceptual model of sleep disturbances during pediatric hospitalizations

Study Objectives The current review aims to examine factors that influence pediatric inpatient sleep and determine the effectiveness of sleep promotion interventions among hospitalized children. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases. Studies included children with a mean age between 1 and 18 years old that either described factors affecting the sleep of children who are hospitalized on a non-intensive care unit or reported on sleep-related intervention outcomes. We conducted separate narrative reviews for each of the two aims and then synthesized findings from quantitative and qualitative studies across both aims. Results Forty-five articles were included for review. Despite most sleep disturbances being attributed to environmental disruptions (e.g. noise, staff interruptions), most interventions targeted the child level using relaxation techniques. Although the majority of interventions were small pilot studies, preliminary findings appear to positively impact sleep duration. The Pediatric Inpatient Sleep Model was proposed to illustrate connections between sleep disturbances, factors influencing sleep, and existing intervention components. Conclusions Replication studies are needed, including larger-scale sleep promotion interventions among hospitalized children. Given the identification of environmental factors as the main cause of night wakings, environmental modifications are crucial. Additional research examining contributors to intraindividual variability in disrupted sleep patterns during hospitalizations as well as the consequences of these disturbances is warranted.

Automated summary

This study aims to examine factors that influence pediatric inpatient sleep and determine the effectiveness of sleep promotion interventions among hospitalized children. A systematic literature search identified 45 articles, which suggested that most sleep disturbances in hospitalized children are caused by environmental disruptions. Although most interventions targeted the child level using relaxation techniques, preliminary findings indicate positive impacts on sleep duration. The study proposes the Pediatric Inpatient Sleep Model to illustrate connections between sleep disturbances, factors influencing sleep, and existing intervention components. This review suggests the need for replication studies and larger-scale sleep promotion interventions among hospitalized children.