The effects of intensive care environment on postoperative nightmare

Dream Recall/Affect and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis

In this concise review, we present an overview of research on dream recall/affect and of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, discussing caveats regarding the action of hormones of the HPA axis (mainly cortisol and its free form, cortisol-binding globulin and glucocorticoid receptors). We present results of studies regarding dream recall/affect and the HPA axis under physiological (such as waking) or pathological conditions (such as in Cushing’s syndrome or stressful situations). Finally, we try to integrate the effect of the current COVID-19 situation with dream recall/affect vis-à-vis the HPA axis.

Perioperative Sleep Disturbances and Postoperative Delirium in Adult Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials

Background: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials was to investigate the effects of perioperative sleep disturbances on postoperative delirium (POD). Methods: Authors searched for studies (until May 12, 2020) reporting POD in patients with sleep disturbances following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: We identified 29 relevant trials including 55,907 patients. We divided these trials into three groups according to study design: Seven retrospective observational trials, 12 prospective observational trials, and 10 randomized controlled trials. The results demonstrated that perioperative sleep disturbances were significantly associated with POD occurrence in observational groups [retrospective: OR = 0.56, 95% CI: [0.33, 0.93], I ² = 91%, p for effect = 0.03; prospective: OR = 0.27, 95% CI: [0.20, 0.36], I ² = 25%, p for effect < 0.001], but not in the randomized controlled trial group [OR = 0.58, 95% CI: [0.34, 1.01], I ² = 68%, p for effect = 0.05]. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's test. We used a one-by-one literature exclusion method to address high heterogeneity. Conclusions: Perioperative sleep disturbances were potential risk factors for POD in observational trials, but not in randomized controlled trials.