Research note: High levels of low frequency sound in ICUs may harm patient sleep

In a new study, a team of researchers at Yale School of Medicine and Yale School of Nursing recorded overnight sound levels in medical ICU patient rooms, where critically ill individuals often suffer from sleep loss and poor sleep. Using two different standards for sound measurement, they observed high levels of low-frequency sound believed to be from sources such as air systems, ventilation machinery, and computer workstations. The sound levels exceeded those recommended by the World Health Organization and may be an important source of sleep disruption in patients, said the research team, led by assistant professor of critical care medicine Dr. Melissa Knauert. The study was published in the Journal of Critical Care.