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Sleep and Circadian Disruptors: Unhealthy Noise and Light Levels for Hospitalized Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Patients
  • +6
  • Andrea L. Fidler,
  • Julie Waitt,
  • Leslie Lehmann,
  • Jo M. Solet,
  • Jeanne F. Duffy,
  • Brian D. Gonzalez,
  • Dean Beebe,
  • David Fedele,
  • Eric Zhou
Andrea L. Fidler
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
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Julie Waitt
Boston Children's Hospital
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Leslie Lehmann
Boston Children's Hospital
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Jo M. Solet
Harvard Medical School
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Jeanne F. Duffy
Harvard Medical School
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Brian D. Gonzalez
Moffitt Cancer Center
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Dean Beebe
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
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David Fedele
University of Florida Department of Clinical and Health Psychology
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Eric Zhou
Harvard Medical School

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Noise and light levels during hospitalizations can disrupt sleep and circadian health, resulting in worse health outcomes. This study describes patterns of noise and light in an inpatient room of children undergoing stem cell transplants. Objective meters tracked noise and light levels every minute for 6 months. Median overnight sound was 55dB (equivalent to conversational speech), which exceeded recommendations. There were 3.4 loud noises (>80dB) per night on average. Children spent 62% of the 24-hour cycle in non-optimal lighting, with daytime light dimmer than recommended 98% of the time. These data suggest improvements for hospital environment in pediatric cancer patients.