Effect of Earplugs and Eye Masks on Improving Patients' Quality of Sleep in Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Sleep disruption is common in patients admitted to the ICU. Patients treated in the ICU are also exposed to high sound levels and cite noise as a substantial contributor to sleep disruption Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to assess effect of earplugs and eye mask on improving quality of sleep in ICU this aim was assessed through the following:1- Assess patient level of sleep disturbance. 2-Apply earplugs and eye masks to the patients in ICU. 3-Evaluate effect of earplugs and eye masks on improving patient's quality of sleep in ICU. Study design: a quasi-experimental study was utilized in this study. Setting: The study was conducted in the ICU unit at EL Demerdash hospital affiliated to Ain Shams University Hospital. Subjects: A purposive sample of 35 adult patients from the previous mentioned setting. Data collection: data were collected by two tools as follows: Patients Interview questionnaire and Richards-Campbell sleep questionnaire. Results: there were statistically significant differences regarding improving patients' quality of sleep post implementation of earplugs and eye masks in ICU. The study concluded that: There was a statistical significant difference for the study group in relation to factors disrupts sleep, quality of sleep post implementation of earplugs and eye masks in ICU. The study recommended that: Educational program for nurses to improve their knowledge regarding importance of introducing earplugs and eye masks for ICU patients to prevent onset of delirium and improve quality of sleep