Sleep and circadian rhythm disruption in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) represent a significant challenge, as the environment often interferes with patients' natural sleep architecture. Factors such as constant noise, light exposure, and frequent medical interventions can severely impair sleep. Importantly, the underlying critical illness and consequent physiological stressors and medications amplify these disruptions, posing risks to patient recovery and overall health outcomes. Recent studies indicate that inadequate sleep in ICU patients can lead to inflammation, impaired autonomic functions, and contribute to prolonged recovery periods. However, understanding of how these disorders specifically affect patient outcomes and the long-term ramifications for survivors and their families remains limited.

This Research Topic aims to explore both the complexity and the consequences of sleep and circadian rhythm alterations within ICU settings and in ICU survivors. By identifying the risk factors leading to disrupted sleep patterns and examining the impact on patient outcomes, this initiative seeks to uncover effective assessment, monitoring, and intervention strategies. Investigating both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, the goal is to develop comprehensive recommendations for improving sleep health in the ICU. Furthermore, this Research Topic endeavors to shed light on multidisciplinary approaches and the management of sleep, providing insights that can inform clinical practices and enhance patient recovery.

To gather further insights into sleep and circadian rhythm disruptions (SCD) in the ICU, this Research Topic welcomes submissions across a diverse range of manuscript types supported by the journal (including Brief Research Reports, Protocols, Mini-Review, Original Research, Reviews, Meta-Analysis, etc.). These manuscripts should explore, but not be limited to, the following themes:
- Sleep architecture in critically ill patients
- Impact of SCD on ICU patient outcomes, focusing on inflammation and autonomic functions
- Identification of risk factors for SCD in the ICU
- Methods for assessment and monitoring of sleep in ICU patients
- Efficacy of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions
- Long-term effects of SCD post-ICU on survivors and their families
- Interaction between SCD and ventilation in the ICU
- Relationship between sedation and sleep quality in ICU patients
- Challenges in managing SCD during weaning processes
- Multidisciplinary approaches to addressing SCD in the ICU
- Translational models studying SCD related to critical illness

Authors are encouraged to contribute manuscripts that will expand the understanding and enhance the management of sleep and circadian rhythm disruptions in the ICU.

Register now to participate in this exciting Research Topic.

Topic Editor Sairam Parthasarathy currently holds a research grant from WHOOP Inc., which is awarded to their institution. Topic Editor Xavier Drouot holds shares in Somno Engineering and is an inventor of the patent WO 2022/157199A1 "A sleep analyzer and associated system and methods". The Topic Editors report no other competing interests related to this Research Topic.

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Sleep, Circadian Rhythm, and Critical Illness. Evaluation and Management in the Intensive Care Unit and Post-ICU Settings