To retrieve and summarize evidence on non-pharmacological sleep management in adult critically ill patients, providing reference for sleep intervention by ICU medical and nursing staff.

The literature on non-pharmacological sleep management in adult critically ill patients was systematically searched in domestic and foreign databases and guideline websites. The search period was from the establishment of the database to February 2023. After screening the literature based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, two evidence-based trained researchers independently evaluated the quality of the included literature, extracted and summarized evidence.

A total of 13 articles were included, including 3 clinical guidelines, 9 systematic reviews, and 1 randomized controlled trial. A total of 21 best pieces of evidence were summarized, covering 5 aspects, including strengthening nurse education and training, improving ward environment, reducing sleep interruption, selecting mechanical ventilation modes reasonably, and promoting physical and mental relaxation.

The evidence summarized can provide reference for the development of non-pharmacological sleep management plans for adult critically ill patients. ICU medical and nursing staff should carefully apply evidence in clinical practice based on evidence, fully consider the human resources and actual situation of the department, and combine it with the needs of patients.

Intensive Care Unit; Patients; Sleep management; Evidence-based nursing