Do you want to learn more about sleep masks? This article will be of great help to you.
Years ago, one of the best ways I got a good night’s sleep was to keep my environment completely dark, but this is only sometimes possible for me all of the time.
I wasn’t ready to invest in blackout curtains, so I discovered and mastered using a sleep mask.
This affordable and portable solution helps block out extra light, fall asleep quickly, and enjoy a more quality night’s sleep.
Based on my experience, a sleep mask is beneficial; nevertheless, there are some potential drawbacks that I will discuss as you read on.
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Let’s get started.
Is It Reasonable To Sleep With An Eye Mask
The short answer is that you can. Your body’s typical sleep cues might be disrupted if exposed to light in the evening.
“This is because exposure to artificial light inhibits the production of the hormone melatonin, which produces sleep in the body.
Melatonin deficiency can result in various sleep problems and illnesses, the most common of which is insomnia.
Using an eye mask might help filter out the artificial light that keeps you from getting to sleep.
Eye masks have proven to be an effective tool for enhancing the overall quality of one’s sleep.
In addition, they have a relaxing effect that, if you let it, might help you sleep more quickly.
The relaxing effect of an eye mask on both the face and the eyes is another advantage of using one.
People often find that the light pressure and comfortable material are incredibly calming and assist in bringing on a state of serenity.
Are Sleep Masks Good For The Skin
The answer is simple: sleep masks are unlikely to deliver unique advantages to the skin, but they are also unlikely to do any harm.
Sleep mask research focuses primarily on their impact on sleep quality and the ability to fall asleep rather than whether they benefit the skin.
However, some things a person should keep in mind to reduce the danger to their skin include:
1. keeping their mask clear of grease and debris
2. selecting a fabric with some breathability
3. avoid applying frozen or heated masks straight to the skin
A person can prevent trapping oil or dirt on their skin by keeping the mask clean. This may aid in the prevention of acne.
Avoiding direct application of a cold or hot mask to the skin can help prevent frostbite or burns.
What Are The Benefits Of A Sleep Mask
It’s easy to grasp. However, if you are still determining whether sleep masks will help you obtain a better night’s sleep,
consider some of the numerous benefits listed below.
1. They are less expensive than blackout curtains.
Sleep researchers nearly agreed that the darker your room, the better your sleep.
Because most of us don’t live in caves, the only method to completely darken your bedroom is to use blackout curtains, which may be expensive if you have large windows.
Alternatively, you can imitate darkness by wearing a sleep mask to block out ambient light (or, if you sleep during the day, daylight).
Blackout-style masks, such as the MINDFOLD or Total Eclipse Sleep Mask, provide nearly perfect darkness, but a blindfold-style mask, such as the Nest Bedding Luxury Sleep Mask or the Alaska Bear Sleep Mask, will also block light.
2. They increase the quality of your sleep.
The fundamental reason that experts claim you need darkness for proper sleep is evolutionary. Humans and our pre-human predecessors are diurnal by nature, which means we are up during the day and sleep at night.
Humans naturally slept during the day and were up throughout the night for thousands of years before electric lights permitted us to continue working or socializing late into the evening.
Because our brains are built to link darkness with sleep, they produce more melatonin when there is no light. (the hormone that controls the rhythms of our waking and sleeping).
3. Improved REM sleep:
Experts recommend that those with trouble sleeping use a mask because it improves REM sleep.
Sleep masks ensure extended REM time for patients admitted to ICU disturbed by light and noise, according to a 2010 study.
Wearing the sleep gear also leads to shorter REM latency and higher melatonin levels. As a result, sleep masks support healthy sleep patterns and hormonal balance.
4. Reduced illness risk:
People who cannot sleep properly are more likely to acquire chronic health disorders like heart disease and Alzheimer’s.
They are also predisposed to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. As a result, employing an eye mask is advised since boosting your sleep quality lowers your chance of developing health problems.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Sleep Masks
It is simple to understand. The following are some of the downsides of using a sleep mask:
1. Some sleep masks, especially those with velcro straps, might become trapped in your hair.
Furthermore, some people dislike the sensation of cloth covering their eyes. They can also cause dry eyes and damage to your lashes.
2. They can leave imprints on your face and around your nose if excessively tight. If it’s too loose, you can reposition it all night.
You may feel self-conscious wearing one, especially if you share a bed with your spouse or fly!
3. May induce oversleeping: Because sleeping eye masks shut out all light sources, and our bodies require light to wake up naturally, users may have difficulties waking up or risk oversleeping.
4. Pressing on your eyelashes: The sleeping mask may press on your eyelashes, which can be unpleasant and even painful. While this may be an issue for some, loosening the mask will resolve the issue.
5. Blurred vision: If you wear the mask too tightly, your eyesight may be fuzzy when you wake up. As with the squeezed eyelash issue, relax the mask to assist with this.
Sleeping eye masks are a low-risk investment for improved sleep quality. There are plenty to select from, so experiment to see which works best.
If you have any questions, please contact our optical health professionals at Accent Eyes. Our primary focus is your eye health.
How To Find A Suitable Eye Mask For Sleeping Benefits
It is simple to understand. It’s critical to pick the perfect sleep mask to get the most out of it.
Here are some crucial features to look for:
- Light-blocking abilities
If total darkness is desired, avoid eye masks made of light-colored textiles since they do not block light as efficiently as dark hues. Look for a mask that covers your eyes and has curves around the nose for a snug fit.
- Fabric
While cotton is a popular, airy fabric, it can irritate sensitive skin and brows. Satin is soothing on the skin, yet it may cause you to overheat at night.
Knowing what materials work best for you is critical in obtaining the best sleeping mask.
- Function
To reduce puffiness or avoid headaches, look for a gel eye mask that can be heated or chilled.
If you want to sleep more soundly, think about using a typical sleeping eye mask.
Fortunately, you can usually buy a gel eye mask and a sleeping eye mask for about $20, which will fully satisfy your need for relaxation at an affordable price.
- Size
Using a sleeping mask that is too tiny might place undue strain on your eyes, resulting in poor vision or a headache the next day.
Too-large eye masks may fit loosely around the face and fail to block light adequately. Select an eye mask with an adjustable strap so you may vary the length to suit your preferences.
- Style
Style may not be as important to some as it is to others, but there are many alternatives if you want to sleep in style! Eye masks are available in a wide range of colors and designs.
So, whether you want something to match your favorite pajamas or something basic, there’s a sleep mask for you!
What Are The Types Of Eye Masks That Are Best For Sleeping
It’s straightforward. Here are a couple of my suggestions.
1. The Manta Sleep Mask
Manta Sleep makes my favorite eye mask. The Manta sleep mask is a contoured mask with movable cups that allows you to customize the mask to your specific eye position.
When it comes to the cups, they give a dark and comfy spot to rest your eyes that won’t put any strain on them or your eyelashes.
You may also replace the eye cups for a cooling effect or another type of cup, such as silk cups. My family and I use this sleep eye mask every night.
2. Sleep Mask by Colorado Home Co.
Colorado Home Co.’s sleep mask is 100 percent pure mulberry silk and is quite luxurious. This mask has excellent blackout properties and is gentle on your face and eyelashes.
This is a perfect solution if you’re worried about fine lines or eye masks placing too much strain on your lashes.
3. Use a cloth mask
Cloth masks are available in various fabrics, including silk or satin, cotton, velvet, polyester, fleece, etc. Some may have an adjustable headband (which is preferred) or a one-size-fits-all elastic band.
4. Eye Massager
If you want a sleep mask with many bells and whistles, this is the one for you!
The CINCOM Eye Massager employs infrared heating to enhance microcirculation around your eyes, which can aid in treating dry eyes and dark under-eye circles.
Final Thought
Now that we have established that sleep masks are good be reminded that the secretion of melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone, is reduced, leading to insomnia.
Therefore, Sleep masks are also advised because they improve REM sleep, travel aid, protect the skin, and lower disease risk.