Comparing the effects of using Earplugs and eye masks on sleep quality of patients in coronary care unit (CCU)

Background: Sleep disturbance depends on factors such as noise and light in cardiac care unit (CCU). It can lead to acute coronary syndrome in some patients. This study was designed to compare the effect of using eye mask and earplugs in improvement of sleep in CCU patients.

Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial conducted on 90 patients in Imam Khomeini Hospital of Jiroft in 1390. The IRCT registration code was IRCT201205139731N1. Participants at the first night of admission were randomly divided into three groups: eye mask, earplugs and both eye mask and earplugs users. According to crossover method, half of the patients in each group were assumed control for themselves the first night and the other half on the second night. The VSH-scale was used. The data was analyzed by paired T-test.

Results: The mean score of sleep quality showed a significant difference before and after the intervention in all groups (P <0.05). This difference was just on the sleep disturbance criterion in eye mask and earplugs group (p=0.044) and was in the criterion of sleep disturbance (p =0.003) and effectiveness (p =0.004) in eye mask group. Patient of earplug group showed advances in all criterion of sleep quality (supplement, disturbance and effectiveness) (P <0.001). Results suggest that eye mask and earplugs improve sleep but earplugs are more effective.

Conclusion: Eye mask and earplugs as low-cost, comfortable and uncomplicated devices can improve sleep quality in patients. Nurses can use these devices for reducing the environmental factors to help patient’s sleep.