Sleep Masks
A dark environment is crucial for healthy sleeping. However, it may be hard for you to create darkness in your room due to street lights or other light disturbances.
Sleep masks can help create darkness by blocking out light right in front of your eyes. This creates the kind of continuous dark environment that’s particularly conducive to sleep.
See how your sleep quality stacks up.
Start here to get a baseline on how well you sleep and where you can improve.
Darkness and Sleep
There’s a reason darkness is so important to sleep: your body needs it to develop melatonin, the hormone that helps you relax.
The Benefits of Sleep Masks
A sleep mask covers your eyes, blocking out light disturbances. This creates the kind of ideal darkness your body needs to produce melatonin, helping you relax and sleep well.
Optimize Your Room for Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene refers to your sleep routine and the physical state of your bedroom. Discover the simple steps you can take to improve your bedroom environment and boost both the quality and quantity of your sleep.
Learn More
How to Choose a Sleep Mask
- Light Blocking Needs: Consider your sensitivity to light and the level of darkness you desire.
- Material and Comfort: Opt for breathable, hypoallergenic materials that feel comfortable against your skin, especially for prolonged wear.
- Sleeping Position: Select a mask design that accommodates your typical sleeping position to avoid pressure or discomfort.
- Additional Features: Look for features like adjustable straps, washable covers or cooling technologies based on your individual needs and preferences.
Different Types of Sleep Masks
- Contoured Masks: Designed to cup around your eyes and nose, blocking out most light and minimizing pressure. Ideal for side sleepers and those seeking maximum light blockage.
- Flat Masks: Lightweight and breathable, offering gentle light blocking and suitable for various sleeping positions. Good for warm sleepers or those who prefer a less-restrictive feeling.
- Cooling Masks: Incorporate cooling fabrics or gel inserts to help regulate temperature and prevent overheating during sleep.
- Weighted Masks: The gentle pressure from these masks can promote relaxation.
- Adjustable Masks: Feature velcro straps or other mechanisms to customize the fit for optimal comfort and light blocking.
Who Might Benefit from a Sleep Mask
- Light Blockers: Light sleepers or those living in brightly lit environments.
- Travel Enthusiasts: Minimize distractions and light disruptions in airplanes, trains, or unfamiliar environments.
- Shift Workers: Regulate their circadian rhythms by blocking out daytime light and enhancing darkness.
- Relaxation Seekers: Blocking out visual stimuli can promote deeper relaxation and mental quiet.
Who Would Not Benefit from a Sleep Mask
- Individuals with claustrophobia or anxiety.
- Those with eye conditions or sensitivities such as glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, or recent eye surgeries, might need to avoid sleep masks to prevent added pressure or irritation to the eyes.
- People with skin sensitivities or acne.
- Individuals who move a lot in their sleep.
- Those with headaches or migraines.
Relevant Research - Sleep Masks
Sleep masks have proven to be a valuable tool for enhancing sleep quality, particularly in environments where light exposure is high. A study highlighted in The International Journal of Nursing demonstrates that eye masks significantly improve patients' sleep quality, leading to recommendations for their use in sleep care. Complementing this, research published in Frontiers in Psychiatry reveals that sleep masks effectively reduce sleep onset latency and minimize sleep disturbances. Further evidence from a study in the journal Sleep shows that sleep masks are beneficial in reducing nighttime awakenings and enhancing sleep efficiency. Another significant study in Nursing and midwifery points to the effectiveness of sleep masks in facilitating deeper sleep stages, which are crucial for restorative sleep and overall well-being. Collectively, these studies underline the importance of sleep masks in not only improving sleep quality but also in contributing positively to cognitive functions and general health.
