Effect of Daily Sedation Interruption on Length of ICU Stay

Abstract

Background: Sedation is routinely used in intensive care units (ICUs) to facilitate mechanical ventilation, reduce anxiety, and improve patient comfort.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of daily sedation interruption on the length of ICU stay among patients receiving mechanical ventilation.

Methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted at CMH Muzzafarabad from October 2024 to May 2025, included 105 critically ill patients admitted to the ICU and requiring mechanical ventilation with continuous sedation. Patients were divided into two groups according to the sedation protocol used: daily sedation interruption (n = 52) and continuous sedation without interruption (n = 53). Demographic characteristics, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of ICU stay were recorded.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 52.7 ± 14.3 years, with 64 (61.0%) males and 41 (39.0%) females. Patients receiving daily sedation interruption had a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation (5.8 ± 2.4 days) compared with those receiving continuous sedation (7.1 ± 3.1 days). Similarly, the mean ICU length of stay was significantly lower in the daily sedation interruption group (7.9 ± 3.2 days) than in the continuous sedation group (10.1 ± 4.0 days) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Daily sedation interruption was associated with reductions in mechanical ventilation duration and ICU length of stay among critically ill patients.