loading page

Sleep and Circadian Disruptors: Unhealthy Noise and Light Levels for Hospitalized Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Patients
  • +6
  • Andrea L. Fidler,
  • Julie Waitt,
  • Leslie Lehmann,
  • Jo M. Solet,
  • Jeanne F. Duffy,
  • Brian D. Gonzalez,
  • Dean Beebe,
  • David Fedele,
  • Eric Zhou
Andrea L. Fidler
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Author Profile
Julie Waitt
Boston Children's Hospital
Author Profile
Leslie Lehmann
Boston Children's Hospital
Author Profile
Jo M. Solet
Harvard Medical School
Author Profile
Jeanne F. Duffy
Harvard Medical School
Author Profile
Brian D. Gonzalez
Moffitt Cancer Center
Author Profile
Dean Beebe
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Author Profile
David Fedele
University of Florida Department of Clinical and Health Psychology
Author Profile
Eric Zhou
Harvard Medical School

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile

Abstract

Noise and light levels during hospitalizations can disrupt sleep and circadian health, resulting in worse health outcomes. This study describes patterns of noise and light in an inpatient room of children undergoing stem cell transplants. Objective meters tracked noise and light levels every minute for 6 months. Median overnight sound was 55dB (equivalent to conversational speech), which exceeded recommendations. There were 3.4 loud noises (>80dB) per night on average. Children spent 62% of the 24-hour cycle in non-optimal lighting, with daytime light dimmer than recommended 98% of the time. These data suggest improvements for hospital environment in pediatric cancer patients.