Sleep deprivation is common and severe in critically ill patients cared for in intensive care
units (ICUs), and is hypothesized to be a key modifiable risk factor for delirium and
long-term cognitive disability. Dexmedetomidine reduces the incidence of delirium in ICU
patients by unknown mechanisms. This project will determine whether dexmedetomidine reduces
delirium by improving sleep, whether bolus dosing vs continuous infusion is better, and the
relationship of sleep quality to long-term cognitive outcomes.
Phase:
Phase 2
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Massachusetts General Hospital
Collaborator:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)