Dynamic light application to prevent acquired delirium

Delirium is a frequently encountered problem in ICU patients and leads to
increased morbidity and mortality; Delirium in the ICU is associated with sleep
deprivation which is among others caused by a disrupted circadian rhythm;
Dynamic Light application aims at restoring a proper circadian rhythm by
rhythmically alternating light intensity and has shown beneficial effects in
sleep quality. Whether DLA improves sleep quality and reduces delirium
incidence in ICU patients is not known

1. To evaluate the feasibility and safety of dynamic light application in an
Intensive Care facility
2. To study the effects of dynamic light application on the incidence of
delirium, the number of ICU and hospital days and mortality in a mixed
population of medical and surgical ICU patients
3. To determine whether severity of disease influences treatment effect and
outcome

prospective randomized single centre trial

Patients will be randomized between Standard Care or Standard Care + DLA; When
receiving standard care, normal lighting settings will be used in that patient
room, which can be controlled by the medical personel; In the rooms of patients
randomized to the DLA group, DL is applied with a changing intensity during the
day according to a fixed rhythm, which is regulated centrally. In addition when
necessary, an intervention light can be used which can be operated in the
patient room.

The extent of the burden is nil for the subjects: as well as the risks