Effects of ear plugs and eye masks on nocturnal sleep, melatonin and cortisol in a simulated ICU environment. Critical Care vol. 14 (2), Apr 2010, p.
Hu, R. et al.
http://ccforum.com/content/14/2/R66
Environmental stimulus, especially noise and light, is thought to disrupt sleep in patients in the ICU. This study aimed to determine the physiological and psychological effects of ICU noise and light, and of earplugs and eye masks, used in these conditions in healthy subjects.