ICU Memories and Sensory Triggers for Them

A 2026 paper from a study conducted with 35 survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome found nearly all were living with persistent ICU memories. Vivid memories included altered reality "dreams" while under the effects of sedation, recalled experiences of death, loss of control, and bedside interactions with loved ones and medical professionals. Nearly half the participants reported "dreams" they had under the effects of sedation as their most vivid memory, with many reporting they were as vivid months to years after their ICU admission as they were when they experienced them. Dreams were often fear-evoking, involved transportation such as boats, and/or were psychedelic. Common sensory triggers for memories included medical care/clinical events with medical equipment, seeing or hearing medical and non-medical media, smelling cleaning products and touching linens, seeing or hearing ambulances, seeing and touching medical device scars, hearing loud sounds, and medical-type encounters such as driving by hospitals. ICU Memories in Survivors of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome During COVID-19: A Qualitative Study - PubMed