Overview
What is it?
An eye mask is a simple, non-pharmacological device designed to block external light, creating a dark environment that promotes better sleep. It is commonly used to improve sleep quality, especially in environments where light exposure is unavoidable, such as hospitals or during travel.
How does it work?
Eye masks work by reducing light exposure, which helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm and increases melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone that signals to the body that it is time to sleep. By blocking light, eye masks create an optimal environment for sleep, particularly in settings like intensive care units (ICUs) or brightly lit rooms .
What are the benefits?
Eye masks have been shown to improve sleep quality by reducing sleep disturbances caused by light. They are particularly effective in environments like ICUs, where artificial lighting can disrupt sleep. Studies have also found that eye masks, especially when combined with earplugs, can increase total sleep time and reduce the risk of delirium in critically ill patients .
Effectiveness
What does the research say?
Research indicates that eye masks significantly improve sleep quality. For example, one study found that using eye masks increased total sleep time by an average of 2.19 hours and reduced the risk of delirium by 45% . Another study showed that eye masks improved sleep depth and length, as well as reduced sleep disturbances like difficulty falling asleep and restlessness . Eye masks are also ranked as one of the most effective non-pharmacological interventions for improving sleep quality in critically ill patients .
Side Effects
No significant side effects reported
The use of eye masks is generally safe, and no significant side effects have been reported in the studies reviewed. However, it is always advisable to ensure that the eye mask fits comfortably to avoid any potential discomfort or pressure on the eyes .
Evidence
Clinical Studies & Trials
[1] Sleep and eye disease: A review.
This review focuses on the effects of sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), on ocular health. It does not specifically discuss eye masks but mentions CPAP therapy for OSA.
View study[2] The Effect of a Quality Improvement Intervention on Sleep and Delirium in Critically Ill Patients in a Surgical ICU.
This study found that eye masks, as part of a multicomponent intervention, reduced delirium in ICU patients but did not significantly change overall sleep quality ratings.
View study[3] Effect of earplug/eye mask on sleep and delirium in intensive care patients.
This study highlights the impact of environmental factors like noise and light on sleep disorders and delirium in ICU patients, suggesting the use of earplugs and eye masks as interventions.
View study[4] Non-pharmacological sleep interventions for adult patients in intensive care Units: A systematic review.
This review synthesizes evidence on non-pharmacological sleep interventions for ICU patients, including the use of eye masks, and provides recommendations for future research.
View study[5] Effect of using eye masks and earplugs in preventing delirium in intensive care patients: A single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial.
This trial found that multicomponent nursing interventions, including eye masks and earplugs, can prevent delirium in ICU patients.
View study[6] Non-pharmacological interventions for sleep promotion in the intensive care unit.
This meta-analysis found that eye masks, particularly when combined with earplugs, increase total sleep time and reduce the risk of delirium in ICU patients.
View study[7] A Sleep Hygiene Intervention to Improve Sleep Quality for Hospitalized Patients.
This study highlights the pervasive problem of poor sleep in hospitalized patients and the potential benefits of sleep hygiene interventions, including eye masks.
View study[8] Interventions to improve inpatients' sleep quality in intensive care units and acute wards: a literature review.
This review emphasizes the importance of sleep for inpatients and discusses interventions like eye masks to improve sleep quality.
View study[9] Sleepless in the hospital: A systematic review of non-pharmacological sleep interventions.
This review suggests that eye masks, along with earplugs, may improve sleep quality in hospitalized patients, though results vary across studies.
View study[10] Different nursing interventions on sleep quality among critically ill patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
This meta-analysis found that eye masks significantly improve sleep quality in critically ill patients, ranking first in effectiveness among studied interventions.
View study[11] The Impact of Earplugs and Eye Masks on Sleep Quality in Surgical ICU Patients at Risk for Frequent Awakenings.
This study evaluates the impact of earplugs and eye masks on sleep quality in postoperative surgical ICU patients, with mixed results on effectiveness.
View study[12] Global burden of chronic respiratory diseases and risk factors, 1990-2019: an update from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.
This review discusses the global burden of chronic respiratory diseases but does not specifically address sleep or eye masks.
View study[13] Wilson Disease
This review discusses Wilson disease, a disorder of copper metabolism, and mentions sleep disorders as one of its manifestations.
View study[14] The Impact of Earplugs and Eye Masks on Sleep Quality in Hospital Patients.
This study found that earplugs and eye masks significantly improved sleep quality in hospital patients, particularly in reducing sleep disturbances and improving sleep depth and length.
View study[15] Intensive care unit interventions to promote sleep and circadian biology in reducing incident delirium: a scoping review.
This review summarizes studies on ICU interventions, including eye masks, to promote sleep and reduce delirium.
View study