Effectiveness of Using Eye Masks and Earplugs On Sleep Quality of Patients in Intensive Care Unit

Background: Sleep quality is a vital component of recovery in intensive care unit patients. However, environmental factors such as continuous noise from medical equipment and excessive lighting often disrupt sleep, potentially delaying healing. Non-pharmacological interventions, including the use of eye masks and earplugs, offer a simple approach to improve sleep without medication. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of eye masks and earplugs in improving sleep quality among ICU patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a non-equivalent control group design was conducted in the Surgical High Care Unit (HCU). A total of 68 patients were divided into intervention and control groups based on different data collection periods. The intervention group used eye masks and earplugs for two consecutive nights from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Sleep quality was measured using the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) before and after the intervention. Results: The intervention group showed a significant increase in sleep quality scores (from 59.4 to 72.6), while the control group showed no meaningful change (from 61.27 to 61.04), with a p-value of 0.000. Conclusion: The use of eye masks and earplugs effectively improves sleep quality in ICU patients. This low-cost, non-invasive intervention is recommended as part of standard ICU care to support patient recovery.