Effect of a Nurse-Led Environmental Stressor Reduction Package on Perceived Stress and Sleep Quality in Intensive Care Unit Patients

This semi-experimental study will evaluate a nurse-led Environmental Stressor Reduction Package designed to modify potentially stressful environmental conditions during nighttime care in the intensive care unit (ICU). The intervention is structured around environmental management strategies addressing noise, lighting, thermal comfort, nighttime visitor activity, and the organization of nursing care.

During the intervention period, environmental noise will be monitored and unnecessary alarms and conversations will be minimized. Nighttime lighting will be reduced while maintaining patient safety, and external light exposure will be limited when appropriate. Thermal comfort will be supported according to individual patient needs. Nighttime visitor activity will be restricted, and essential staff communication will be conducted as quietly as possible during rest periods. Routine nursing activities will be organized, whenever clinically feasible, to minimize unnecessary sleep interruptions between 22:00 and 06:00.

Implementation of the intervention will be monitored using a structured Quiet Night Checklist developed by the research team. The checklist will be completed at 22:00, 02:00, and 06:00 to assess adherence to the intervention components. Each item will be rated on a three-point scale (1 = not implemented, 2 = partially implemented, and 3 = fully implemented). Clinical care and patient safety will take priority at all times, and necessary medical and nursing interventions will not be delayed or withheld for study purposes.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 years and older
• Admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU)
• Awake and able to communicate
• Not receiving sedation or invasive mechanical ventilation
• Expected to remain in the ICU for at least 2 consecutive nights
• Willing to participate and provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Younger than 18 years of age
• Diagnosed with delirium or severe cognitive impairment
• Presence of a psychiatric condition that may substantially affect sleep or perceived environmental stress
• Receiving continuous sedative or opioid infusion
• Discharged from the ICU or deceased before completion of the required study assessments