CompletedObservational

Sleep after intensive care study

Have you or someone you know had strange sleep problems, like nightmares or waking in a panic, after leaving intensive care (ICU)? This study wants to understand why. Researchers think these sleep issues might be connected to memories formed while patients were sedated (given medicine to keep them calm) and on a ventilator (a machine that helps with breathing). The study will compare sleep patterns between people who were sedated and those who weren't. If you're an adult (18+) who spent at least three days in ICU and are now home, you might be able to help. You'll fill out a few questionnaires about your sleep and ICU memories. A small number of people with significant sleep problems might also have a chat with a researcher. Your participation could help improve future support for others.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2026

Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), sleep disturbance, trauma symptoms, memory re-experiencing

What is this study about?

When you've been seriously ill and spent time in intensive care (ICU), it's common to find that things are different when you get home. Some people notice they have unusual sleep problems, like waking up feeling panicked, having very vivid or strange dreams, or finding their sleep is broken and restless. This study, called the "Sleep after intensive care study," wants to understand why these sleep difficulties happen and what might be causing them.

The main idea behind the study is to see if these sleep problems are linked to memories people might have formed while they were in ICU, especially if they were sedated (given medication to keep them calm) or on a ventilator (a machine that helps them breathe). The researchers are curious about how these memories, which might not be clear or complete, could affect sleep patterns later on. They will look at people who were sedated and those who weren't to see how their sleep differs.

Ultimately, by learning more about these experiences, the study hopes to find ways to better support people who have been through intensive care. While you won't get direct medical advice or treatment from joining, your input could be really valuable in helping future patients have a smoother recovery.

Key takeaways

Looks at sleep problems after intensive care.
Investigates links between ICU memories, sedation, and sleep.
Participation involves questionnaires from home.
Open to adults (18+) who spent at least 3 days in ICU.
Aims to improve future support for ICU patients.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who have been in intensive care (ICU).

You can take part if you spent at least three days in the ICU and are now well enough to be back on a general hospital ward or have gone home. You also need to be able to speak English and be able to understand and agree to take part. This study is for people who had different experiences in ICU: some will have been sedated and on a ventilator for at least 24 hours, while others would not have received any continuous sedation or been on a ventilator during their hospital stay.

Unfortunately, you won't be able to join if you have a severe memory problem that would make it hard to answer questions, or if you are currently receiving end-of-life care. If you're being transferred to another hospital, you also wouldn't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Did you spend at least 3 days in intensive care (ICU)?
Can you speak English fluently?
Are you now out of critical care and on a general ward or home?
Did you either receive sedation/ventilation for at least 24 hours, or receive no continuous sedation/ventilation at all during your stay?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to complete three short questionnaires from your home. You'll do this about two weeks after you've left the hospital. These questionnaires will ask you questions about how well you're sleeping, any memories you have from your time in the ICU, and any signs of trauma you might be experiencing.

For a small number of people (about 8 to 10 participants) who report significant sleep problems in their questionnaires, there's an extra step. They will be invited to have a one-time interview. This interview will be an opportunity to talk in more detail about their experiences in the ICU and their sleep issues. The whole process, from filling out questionnaires to potentially an interview, is designed to be completed within a few weeks after you leave the hospital.

Potential risks and benefits

There isn't a direct health benefit for you personally from taking part in this study. However, the information you provide could be very helpful in improving the support available for other people who have been in intensive care in the future. Some people also find it helpful to reflect on their experiences. A potential risk is that talking about your ICU memories or trauma might cause some emotional upset. Support will be available throughout the study if you need it, and remember, you can decide to stop taking part at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Darlington, England

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The study aims to understand why some people have sleep problems after intensive care and if these are linked to memories from their time in ICU, especially if they were sedated.

Do I have to live near the hospitals to join?

You need to have been a patient at Durham or Darlington Hospitals in the UK to be recruited, but the surveys are completed at home, so your current residence location for completing surveys does not matter.

Will I get any medicine or treatment?

No, this study does not involve any medicine or treatment. It's about filling out questionnaires and possibly having an interview.

What if I feel upset talking about my ICU stay?

The researchers understand this can happen. Support will be available if you become distressed while taking part, and you can stop at any time.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by the NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) through Sheffield Hallam University in the UK.

How to find out more

Sally Horsley

sally.horsley@nhs.net +44 (0)7985281075 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.