The Use of Amber Glasses in Improving Sleep and Reducing the Use of Hypnotic Medication in an Inpatient Mental Health Setting: Pilot Study

Sleep disturbance and insomnia is extremely common and affects up to 30% of adults at any given time. Moreover, sleep disturbance is known to be particularly prevalent in patients suffering from mental illness including affective disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety (Baglioni, 2016). We hypothesise that the use of amber glasses will aid the time taken to fall asleep without the need for the use of hypnotic medication.A prospective study looking at 15 new patients admitted to one mental health ward will be undertaken. Data will be collected on twice weekly basis on the patient's use of: amber glasses alone, hypnotic medication alone or both. Hypnotic medication will include sedating antihistamines, benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics such as zopiclone. Medication prescribed for dual purpose will be assumed to be used for the treatment of insomnia if given after 2300 hours. Each patient will be enrolled for a period of 4 weeks and the review of use and suitability will take place in ward review meetings.

Sleep quality will be assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Assessment tool at baseline and at the 2 and 4 weeks. At the end of the study period, percentage use of amber glasses and zopiclone will be used to compare against a historical average of hypnotic use for the most recent 15 admissions over a similar 4 week period.