Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of sensory stimulation on ICU patients’ consciousness levels，considering different implementers，content，frequency，and duration. Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed，Cochrane Library，Web of Science，Embase，CNKI，Wanfang，and VIP databases. The inclusion criteria included randomized controlled trials involving ICU patients，the intervention methods for the experimental group were sensory stimulation with different protocols，while the intervention methods for the control group were routine nursing or other programs. The primary outcome was post-intervention Glasgow Coma Scale scores. Two researchers independently screened studies，extracted data，and assessed bias. A network meta-analysis using R 4.3.2 Gemtc package and the optimal ranking probability of intervention programs was calculated by accumulating the area under the ranking curve. Results Fourteen studies were included. Sensory stimulation with direct family involvement was most effective，followed by indirect family and nurse-led interventions. Multi-sensory stimulation outperformed combined or single-sensory approaches. Twice-daily interventions were most effective，followed by three times a day and once a day. 10 days interventions were most effective，followed by>30 days，7 days，30 days and <7 days. Conclusion Based on the limited evidence，sensory stimulation improves ICU patients’ consciousness，with family involvement and multi-sensory approaches yielding the best outcomes. The intervention period should be at least 7 days to produce good results，and twice daily sensory stimulation is the optimal frequency.