The Effectiveness of Blue Light-Emitting Glasses for ICU Healthcare Workers During Night Shifts Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study Review

Source: Opperhuizen, A. L., van Lier, I. M. J., Hartmeyer, S. L., Aarts, M. P. J., & le Noble, J. L. M. L. (2023). Effectiveness of blue light-emitting glasses for intensive care unit health care workers on night shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Intensive care medicine, 49(10), 1256–1258. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-023-07175-9

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers, particularly ICU and ER nurses, faced increased work pressure and longer night shifts, elevating the risk of sleepiness and fatigue. A recent study evaluated the effectiveness of blue light-emitting glasses (BLEG) in reducing sleepiness and improving work performance. The study found modest improvements in sleepiness, but additional research is needed to establish definitive conclusions.

Introduction: The Challenges of Night Shifts During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly strained healthcare systems, pushing ICU and ER nurses to endure longer and more frequent night shifts. These shifts disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm, leading to sleep disturbances, fatigue, and decreased cognitive function. Given the rising risks of work-related accidents and poor performance, it's crucial to find effective ways to alleviate these issues.

One intervention gaining attention is the use of blue light-emitting glasses (BLEG). These glasses are designed to help regulate the circadian rhythm by manipulating light exposure, potentially reducing sleepiness and improving alertness during night shifts. This systematic study explored the effectiveness of BLEG in ICU and ER nurses during the pandemic, assessing its impact on sleepiness and work-related fatigue.

Study Overview: Evaluating the Impact of Blue Light-Emitting Glasses (BLEG)

In a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study, 19 ICU and ER nurses (aged between 18 and 50) participated in a series of night shifts between December 2020 and October 2021. Nurses were instructed to wear BLEG during specific times (4 x 15-minute sessions during the night shifts and a 30-minute session after waking up). A placebo group wore non-functional glasses during the same periods.

• Key Findings:

  • Sleepiness was slightly reduced across multiple night shifts when BLEG was used compared to the placebo glasses (p = 0.036).

  • No significant difference was observed in driver sleepiness during the morning commute, daytime sleepiness, or overall sleep quality between the BLEG and placebo conditions.

  • When comparing this study's data to previous research, the results were similar, but BLEG showed no significant effect on driver sleepiness after the first night.

Results: Blue Light-Emitting Glasses and Sleepiness

The study focused on measuring subjective sleepiness using the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS).

• Overall Results:

  • BLEG use reduced sleepiness during the night shift compared to the placebo (SMD = -0.14, p = 0.036).

  • No significant reduction in sleepiness was observed during the morning commute or in overall sleep quality after multiple night shifts.

• Impact of BLEG on Different Shift Nights: The first night shift showed a reduction in sleepiness with BLEG use (compared to placebo), but this effect diminished during subsequent shifts, likely due to the added stress of working during the pandemic.

Limitations of the Study

While this study provides valuable insights, several limitations need to be addressed:

• Small Sample Size: Only 19 participants were involved, which limits the generalizability of the results.

• Lack of Objective Sleep Data: No objective sleep data were collected, which could have provided a more accurate measurement of the intervention’s impact.

• Timing of the Study: The study took place during the summer season, which could have affected the light exposure of the glasses, making the results less reliable.

• Caffeine and Other Variables: The potential effects of stimulants like caffeine on sleep and alertness were not controlled.

Recommendations and Future Research

Recommendations for Healthcare Settings:

While this study showed modest improvements in sleepiness, it suggests that healthcare institutions should consider integrating blue light-emitting glasses as part of night-shift protocols to help reduce fatigue and improve alertness during critical tasks.

• Hospital Implementation: ICU and ER units could benefit from providing BLEG to night-shift nurses to mitigate the negative effects of disrupted sleep cycles.

• Tailored Interventions: Further research should explore different light exposure protocols and evaluate the long-term effects of BLEG use.

Areas for Further Study:

1. Larger Sample Sizes: Future studies should include a larger cohort of participants to validate the effects observed in this trial.

2. Objective Sleep Measures: Incorporating objective sleep data (e.g., actigraphy, polysomnography) could provide a more comprehensive understanding of BLEG’s impact.

3. Long-Term Feasibility: More data is needed on the long-term effectiveness of BLEG in real-world hospital settings.

Conclusion: Blue Light-Emitting Glasses as a Promising Yet Inconclusive Solution

This study marks an important step in understanding the potential of blue light-emitting glasses for mitigating sleepiness among ICU and ER nurses working night shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic. While BLEG showed some benefit in reducing sleepiness during night shifts, no significant effect was found on overall sleep quality or driver sleepiness after shifts.

• Summary: The findings suggest that BLEG could be a useful tool to combat shift work-related fatigue, but further research with larger sample sizes, objective measures, and real-world applications is necessary to definitively confirm their efficacy.

This study opens the door for innovative interventions to improve the health and performance of night-shift workers, particularly in healthcare, where patient safety depends on the well-being of the workforce.

Author: R.E. Hengsterman, MSN, MA, M.E., RN

Registered nurse, night-shift administrator, and author of The Shift Worker’s Paradox

Nursewhowrites.com

For educational purposes only. Not medical advice.