RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Hospital Environmental Exposure

This study aims to understand how things like noise, light, and air quality inside hospitals affect patients' sleep. We know that a good night's sleep is important for recovery, but hospitals can be noisy and have changing light levels, and the air quality isn't always checked. While home and office environments have been studied, hospitals are complex and house many patients with different health needs. Researchers will measure these environmental factors in a hospital ward and then look at how they might be affecting patients' sleep. The goal is to identify what causes poor sleep in hospitals and how we can make improvements to help patients recover better.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Leicester

Enrolment target

120

Start

08 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Environment Sleep Noise Exposure Air Quality Light

What is this study about?

You might have noticed that hospitals can be busy, noisy, and sometimes have strange lighting, even at night. This study is exploring how these things – the sounds, the light, and even the air quality in a hospital ward – might affect how well patients sleep. We already know that getting enough good quality sleep is really important for healing and getting better from an illness, and a lack of sleep can make recovery harder.

While we don't have many specific guidelines for ideal hospital environments yet, this research will help us understand the current situation. For example, the World Health Organisation suggests hospital wards shouldn't be louder than 30 decibels at night, but often they are much noisier, sometimes as loud as a busy street! Just like noise, the amount of light and how it changes throughout the day can also affect our natural body clock, which tells us when to sleep and when to be awake.

By carefully measuring these environmental factors like noise levels, light intensity, and air quality, researchers hope to see how they are linked to patients' sleep patterns. The aim is to find out what causes disturbed sleep in hospitals and then figure out ways to create a more supportive environment that helps patients get the rest they need to recover.

Key takeaways

This study investigates how hospital environments affect patient sleep.
Researchers will measure noise, light, and air quality in hospital wards.
Good sleep is vital for recovery, and this study aims to improve it.
Participation involves being in a ward where environmental measurements are taken.
It's for adult patients staying at least two nights, without existing sleep disorders.
The findings could lead to better hospital environments for all future patients.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and expected to stay in the hospital for at least two nights. It's important that you understand what the study involves and are happy to give your permission to participate.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a known sleep problem like sleep apnoea or insomnia, or if the research team thinks it might be unsafe for you or affect the study results, then you wouldn't be able to participate. This also applies if you have a condition like dementia that might make it hard to understand or remember information about the study.

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?
Are you expected to stay in hospital for at least two nights?
Are you able to understand and agree to take part in the study?
Do you have any existing diagnosed sleep disorders, like sleep apnoea?
Do you have a medical condition that might make participating unsafe?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll need to be in the hospital for at least two nights. The research team will ask your permission first. During your stay, small devices like sound meters, light sensors, and air quality monitors will be placed in your hospital ward to measure the environment around you. You won't need to take any new medication or have any special medical procedures for this study. The main part of your involvement is simply being present in the ward while these measurements are taken, allowing researchers to see how your sleep might be affected by the environment. There will be no follow-up after your hospital stay related to this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might help us understand how to make hospital environments better for all patients in the future, improving their chances of a good night’s sleep and a faster recovery. There are very few direct risks as you won't be taking any new medication or undergoing invasive tests; the study simply involves measuring your environment. However, as with any study, there's always a small chance of unforeseen inconveniences or that the devices might be slightly noticeable. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (1)

Glenfield Hospital
Verified postcode
Leicester, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What exactly will be measured in the hospital ward?

Researchers will measure noise levels, how bright the lights are, and what the air quality is like using special sensors.

Will I have to do anything special during the study?

No, you'll just need to continue with your hospital stay as planned. You won't need to take extra medicine or change your routine.

How long will the study last for me?

Your participation will be for the duration of your hospital stay, as long as it's at least two nights.

Will my personal health information be kept private?

Yes, all your personal information will be kept confidential and handled according to strict privacy rules.

What if I change my mind about participating?

You can withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Rikesh Panchal, PhD

rp173@leicester.ac.uk +44(0)116 229 7659 Official trial record

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