Complete disappearance of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was frequently observed in ICUs (50% of patients) and may occur at all times during the ICU stay, as well as in patients breathing spontaneously, after admission or after extubation.

Complete disappearance of REM sleep was significantly associated with poor outcomes.

Whereas deep sleep remained preserved in patients admitted for acute respiratory failure, it was markedly reduced under mechanical ventilation and after extubation (p < 0.01). Atypical sleep was significantly more frequent in patients under mechanical ventilation than in those breathing spontaneously (p < 0.01). REM sleep was uncommon at any time of their ICU stay.

Read More