Sleep disturbances are common in patients admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU), where continuous light, noise, and monitoring equipment disrupt normal sleep. Poor sleep in CCU patients can worsen heart function and increase the risk of delirium.
This study tested whether wearing an eye-ear sleep band, a single, adjustable product that blocks both light and noise, could improve sleep quality in CCU patients compared to standard care alone.
One hundred adults admitted to the CCU with acute coronary syndrome were enrolled. Using a crossover design, each participant spent one night wearing the eye-ear sleep band and one night receiving standard CCU care, in a randomly assigned order. Sleep quality was measured each morning using a validated questionnaire (Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire).
The eye-ear sleep band is a simple, low-cost, non-pharmacological tool that may help improve sleep in CCU patients.
Who can participate
Age range
25 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Aged 25-65 years
* Admitted to the coronary care unit with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome
* Not receiving sedation or invasive mechanical ventilation
Exclusion Criteria:
* Pre-existing sleep disorder
* High risk for obstructive sleep apnoea, indicated by a positive score on two or more categories of the Berlin Questionnaire
* Current use of pharmacological sleep aids
* Habitual use of an eye mask during sleep
* Baseline pain score of 7 or above on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
* Documented hearing or visual impairment, or current use of a hearing aid
* Requirement for invasive mechanical ventilation
* Receipt of general anaesthesia within the preceding 12 hours
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.