Effects of Multisensory Stimuli on Relaxation and Sleep Quality of Shift Workers

Abstract

This research was experimental research with pretest posttest control group design. Its purpose was to study the effects of multisensory stimuli on relaxation and sleep quality among 60 shift workers divided into 3 groups of 20 person each in Muang District, Phetchaburi Province. The experimental group 1 was stimulated by the smell of lavender. The experimental group 2 was stimulated by the smell of lavender and sound of water. The group 3 was the control group. Experimental research was set in a sleep lab. For day 1-2, the experimental group slept in normal conditions. And day 3-4, the experimental group slept in a stimulating state. The data were as follows: Relaxation scores, Percentage of stress and was measured by heart rate variability, Sleep efficiency and Total sleep time. The research instruments consisted of 1) screening instruments: Department of Mental Health stress scale, Smell and sound perception scale (KR-20=0.89), Essential oil allergy scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire (Thai version) (Test-retest reliability=0.89). IOC content consistency was 1.00; 2) the experimental instrument; 3) the instrument was used to measure relaxation and sleep quality: a general information questionnaire, visual analogue scale for relaxation (Cronbach's alpha coefficient=0.73), record form, and wrist actigraphy (Sensitivity of 95.8%, Specificity of 73.4%). Data were analyzed by statistics, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Paired samples t-test, One-Way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis Test.

The results showed that 76.7 percent of the sample were female, 36.7 percent were aged 20-29 years, and 80.0 percent had marital status/couple and working 9 hours a day. The odor and sound stimulation group had a higher average score of visual analogue scale for relaxation, sleep efficiency and total sleep time than before the experiment and when compared to the odor stimulation group and the control group with statistical significance 0.05 Therefore, shift workers can use odor or sound stimuli to improve relaxation and sleep quality in their daily lives.