RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Benefit of Sleep Quality Monitoring by EEG in ICU

This important study is for patients in intensive care who are having trouble breathing. We want to understand how well a special brain test, called an EEG, can measure their sleep quality. Currently, nurses watch patients to see if they're sleeping well. This study will compare the EEG results with what the nurses observe. By doing this, researchers hope to find new ways to better understand and improve the sleep of critically ill patients. Good sleep is very important for recovery, so finding the best way to monitor it could make a real difference to patient care.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Rouen

Enrolment target

Start

04 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

20 Mar 2027

Respiratory Failure

What is this study about?

When people are very unwell in intensive care, especially when they have breathing difficulties, getting good sleep can be very hard. Sleep is incredibly important for helping your body recover and heal. Currently, nurses often observe patients to see if they are sleeping, but it's not always easy to truly know how deep and good that sleep is just by watching.

This study aims to discover if using a special device called an EEG (electroencephalogram) can give us a clearer picture of sleep quality in these patients. An EEG measures the electrical activity in your brain, which changes depending on whether you're awake, in light sleep, or in deep sleep. Researchers want to compare the information from the EEG with what the nurses see. This will help them understand if the EEG can provide more detailed and accurate information about a patient's sleep.

The main reason this research matters is that if we can better understand and measure sleep in critically ill patients, we might be able to find new ways to help them sleep better. This could lead to improved recovery times and overall well-being for patients in intensive care.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates how an EEG monitors sleep in ICU patients.
It aims to improve sleep assessment for patients with breathing difficulties.
Compares EEG results with nurse observations of sleep.
Could lead to better sleep support in intensive care.
Participation involves wearing a harmless EEG monitor.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults who are currently in intensive care because of serious breathing problems. You would need to be receiving help with your breathing, such as breathing support through a mask or special oxygen treatment.

It's important that you are able to understand and agree to take part in the study yourself, and you would need to have valid insurance coverage. You should not have any skin problems on your head or scalp where the monitoring equipment would be placed. This study is not suitable for pregnant individuals or those who are under legal guardianship.

Essentially, if you're an adult in intensive care with breathing difficulties, are awake and able to consent, and don't have certain other conditions, you might be able to join.

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 an adult (18 years or older)?
Are you currently in intensive care due to breathing problems?
Are you receiving breathing support (like a mask or special oxygen)?
Are you awake and able to agree to take part?
Are you not pregnant?
Do you not have any skin problems on your head?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will continue to receive your usual medical care in the intensive care unit for your breathing problems. The main additional step for you would be having an EEG monitor placed on your head. This involves small sensors being attached to your scalp, which will then record your brain activity to measure your sleep quality. This monitoring will happen during your stay in the intensive care unit.

At the same time, the nurses looking after you will continue to assess your sleep quality as they normally would. The study will essentially compare the information gathered by the EEG with the nurses' observations. There are no extra visits or medications involved specifically for this study, and the monitoring will happen naturally as part of your time in intensive care. The total length of your participation would depend on how long you are in the critical care unit.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer the benefit of helping researchers better understand sleep in critically ill patients, potentially leading to improved care for future patients. For you personally, there are not expected to be direct health benefits from the monitoring itself. The risks are generally low; the EEG sensors are usually comfortable, but very occasionally can cause minor skin irritation. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU de ROUEN
Verified postcode
Rouen, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an EEG?

An EEG (Electroencephalogram) is a test that measures the electrical activity in your brain. It's like listening to your brain cells communicate. It involves placing small sensors on your scalp.

Will the EEG hurt?

No, the EEG itself is not painful. The small sensors are usually stuck onto your scalp and are generally comfortable. You might feel a slight pressure or stickiness.

How long will the EEG be on?

The EEG monitor will be on during your stay in the intensive care unit while your sleep is being assessed as part of the study. The exact duration will depend on your hospital stay.

Will taking part change my normal treatment?

No, taking part in this study will not change your normal medical treatment for your breathing problems. The EEG is an extra monitoring step to gather information.

Can I stop taking part if I change my mind?

Yes, absolutely. You can decide to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, and it will not affect the medical care you receive.

How to find out more

Marie-Anne Melone, MD

marieanne.melone@chu-rouen.fr +33 2 32 88 89 90 Official trial record

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