A spell in hospital 'will not necessarily result in sleep problems'

Underlying illness rather than a spell in intensive care is the key factor in sleep problems in former critical care patients, according to a new study.

Researchers from Sweden's Linkoping University and Ryhov Hospital discovered about 40 per cent of intensive care patients experience sleep problems for up to 12 months after going home, OnMedica reports.

The scientists studied almost 500 patients who had experienced care in one of three different hospitals,

Despite the fact that the patients all suffered sleep disturbance, the researchers could find no direct link between those issues and a stay in intensive care.

Therefore, they have suggested the difficulty patients experience falling asleep after going to bed could be the result of their underlying illnesses.

Elsewhere a new survey by the internet company Audible.co.uk suggests that the credit crunch may be preventing workers from getting a decent night's kip.

Some people may find that a change of mattress could help them fall asleep more easily.

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