SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Impact and Efficacy of Sound Machine on Sleep in Hospitalized Adults: A Systematic Review

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This Mayo Clinic systematic review examined whether sound machines, especially white noise, improve sleep in hospitalized adults. Following PRISMA guidelines, the authors searched the literature and screened 1,920 studies. Seven randomized controlled trials, involving 496 participants, met inclusion criteria. Studies came from the USA, India, Iran, China, and South Korea. Most used white noise; one used a different masking sound (USASI). Sleep outcomes assessed included sleep efficiency, total sleep time, sleep latency, awakenings, and sleep quality scores such as PSQI and RCSQ. Risk of bias for RCTs was evaluated using Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.<br /><br />The review found that hospitalized adults often sleep poorly because of environmental noise and other hospital-related disruptions. Since non-pharmacological approaches are preferred before medications, sound machines may offer a practical way to mask disruptive noise in acute care settings where eliminating all sound is difficult.<br /><br />Overall, the included trials suggested that white noise and similar masking sounds can improve sleep efficiency and are generally well tolerated, with no major adverse effects reported. Only eight participants discontinued because of discomfort or low acceptability. However, the evidence base was small and heterogeneous, with variation in intervention duration, patient selection, and outcome measures. Because of these differences, meta-analysis was not possible.<br /><br />The authors concluded that sound machines may help improve sleep in hospitalized adults, but larger, more consistent studies are needed to determine which patient groups and hospital settings benefit most and to identify the optimal way to use these masking sounds.

Asset Subtitle

Kanika Khandelwal

Meta Tag

Author List Alecia R. Anyim, MD, MBA, Kanika Khandelwal, Mohammed Yousufuddin, Sandeep R. Pagali, Sara Shu

Category Research

Concept Sleep Quality

Concept White Noise

Concept Sleep Efficiency

Concept Sleep Duration

Concept Hospitalized Adults

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Mayo Clinic, Rochester

Presenting Author Kanika Khandelwal

Track Geriatrics

Keywords

white noise

sound machines

hospitalized adults

sleep quality

systematic review

randomized controlled trials

sleep efficiency

noise masking

PRISMA guidelines

non-pharmacological intervention

Sleep Quality

White Noise

Sleep Efficiency

Sleep Duration

Hospitalized Adults