THE EFFECT OF USING EARPLUGS AND EYE MASK DURING SLEEP ON DELIRIUM IN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT PATIENTS

Delirium is a disorder in the ICU and sleep disorder can be a risk factor for it. Therefore, it is important to take non-pharmacological measures that are within the scope of the nurse's authority and that can promote sleep as a potential strategy to reduce delirium. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of using earplugs and eye mask during sleep on the delirium of patients in the intensive care unit.

This experimental study was conducted on 73 patients hospitalized in ICU that they were selected by available method for 6 months randomly then allocated in two groups of control (37 patients) and mirror therapy (36 patients). In the intervention group, earplugs and eye mask was used for 3 consecutive days at 22 to 6. Patients before and after intervention were evaluated using NeeCham Delirium scale, a valid and reliable instrument. Delirium score and its domains in different stages in two groups were compared by repeated masseur ANOVA.

The results showed that the use of earplugs and eye mask and time both had a significant effect on total score of delirium (p<0.05). In the process and behavior domain of the effect of time, group and interaction, there was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). However, in the physiologic domain, the effect of group and total effect did not show a significant relationship (p>0.05).

Earplugs and eye mask as a non-pharmaceutical and independent nursing care can be a useful, inexpensive and affordable tool to prevent confusion or delirium. But the relationship between sleep, sound and light and delirium requires more research.