The lack of natural-light exposure in hospital rooms interferes with patients' circadian rhythms and prevents them from sleeping properly, according to an article in the Journal of Advanced Nursing.
Researchers collected data from 40 patients between 2011 and 2012. For each patient, researchers measured light exposure, sleep-wake patterns, mood and pain over 72 hours.
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Data indicated patients slept a mean of 35 minut
es per sleep episode, and fatigue and mood disturbance were positively correlated with low natural light exposure. Pain levels were also positively associated with fatigue.
The researchers concluded low light exposure predicts fatigue and mood disturbance due to disruptions to patients' circadian rhythms.
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