Taking up one third of your life, sleeping is definitely one of the most important things you do. It renews your energy, improves your mood and is a major part of living a healthy and balanced life. However, not everyone finds it easy to enjoy a good night’s sleep due to light sensitivity, excess screen time, and a variety of other issues. An affordable and effective solution? Let us introduce the sleep mask, also known as a blindfold for sleeping.
Now, sleep masks are nothing new, you’ve probably seen them on magazines or used them on a plane. However, as people all over are trying to biohack various areas of their life, sleep masks have found their way into homes, offices, and cars.
Sleep hackers are no longer limited to basic sleep masks — their options range from weighted to scent-infused masks. No matter what your preference is, there’s a perfect mask out there for you.
Let’s dive deeper into the nitty gritty of sleep masks to see if they actually work, and the benefits of using them.
Do Sleep Masks Help?
Many sleep mask users say that these eye shields help them fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and even enjoy a better quality of sleep. Some research studies have published findings that support these claims. For example, a study done on ICU patients found that their sleep quality was improved when sleeping with an eye mask.
Traditionally, a sleep mask was just a soft piece of cloth with padding to cover eyes at night. Nowadays, sleep masks are embedded with the latest technology. Some sleep masks are able to track your breathing, heart rate, among other vitals, giving you an overall score of your sleep quality.
Not all advancements are electronic though. Sleep masks are now being made with softer textiles that make the experience of the user as comfortable as can be.
But do sleep masks work? Let’s answer this question by looking at some of the biggest sleep mask benefits.
7 Sleep Mask Benefits
1. Fall asleep faster
When sleeping without an eye covering, moving light rays and other objects like swaying curtains can be distracting, making it harder to sleep. When you use a sleep mask, it blocks out all distractions and allows your mind to drift into sleep.
Sleep masks can be especially beneficial to people with non-conventional work or study schedules. For instance, someone who works at night and rests during the day may find it hard to get sleep when the sun is out and people are up and about. This group of people can use earplugs and sleep masks to simulate night time, helping them fall asleep faster and sleep better. Pairing the sleep mask with ear plugs can help you get good sleep even in bright and chaotic environments.
2. Improve overall quality of sleep
Our internal clock, called the circadian clock, is meant to help us do our best work during the day, then rest at night. However, our intelligence as humans has enabled us to continue being active well into the night, to our own detriment. Sleep masks
Studies show that even a small amount of light can disrupt sleep by suppressing levels of melatonin — a body chemical that helps to regulate the circadian clock. In order to restore a good circadian rhythm, we have to sleep at the right time, and in the right environment — one that is silent and dark. Sleep masks are instrumental in creating this ideal sleeping environment. They block all the light out, letting your body’s system know that it is time to slow down. Studies also show that sleep masks can help provide longer periods of valuable REM sleep and result in elevated melatonin levels.
3. Great for travel
Everyone knows it’s hard to get good sleep while traveling. When was the last time you slept well on that red-eye flight? Sleep masks allow you to eliminate at least some of the stimuli that keep you awake.
Another benefit of sleep masks is their portability. You can bring them anywhere and they don’t take up much space in your carryon. Sure, you can bring your white noise machine on your trip, but chances are you won’t get much out of it. When you're on a plane or on a road trip, sleep masks are the only thing you can easily carry with you to enhance your sleep.
4. Beneficial for dry eyes
Dry eyes is a notoriously uncomfortable condition. It leaves you unable to keep your eyes open without feeling pain or irritation. Sometimes dry eyes can even lead to the opposite, watery eyes. This happens when your tear glands overproduce tears in a bid to restore moisture on the eye’s surface.
Dry eyes can be caused by many things such as too much screen time, medical conditions, etc. However, some people develop dry eyes from incomplete closing of the eyelids during sleep, a condition known as nocturnal lagophthalmos. This means their eyes are exposed to the air for almost the whole night, leading to dry eyes during the day.
Wearing a sleep mask with a soft inner side can protect the eyes from air and abrasion by the pillows, thereby preventing and protecting dry eyes.
5. Provide eye protection
The eyes are one of the most delicate organs in our bodies. While the eyelids provide adequate protection, sometimes an extra layer of padding is required. If your bedding is loose and produces a lot of fibers, it may help to wear a sleep mask to prevent the fluff from getting into your eyes.
Sleep masks may also offer protection in the case your beddings are abrasive. This can be helpful for people with sensitive eyes. Because these masks protect the skin around the eye, sleep masks are also a great option for people interested in preventing wrinkles or for beauty purposes.
6. Safe and nonaddictive
Many people who have a difficult time falling or staying asleep turn to sleeping pills. These include topical over-the-counter solutions, such as melatonin supplements or PM cough medicine. Another common solution is the use of alcohol, which not only damages the liver, but actually disrupts the sleep cycle. While these methods can be effective, they can also be incredibly addictive and dangerous.
One of the biggest sleep mask benefits is that they are 100% natural, safe and nonaddictive. While you may kick yourself if you go on a trip and forget your eye mask, it’s a very different (and much safer) situation than full-blown pharmaceutical addiction. And even if you do forget that eye mask, you can always pick up another one at the store on the corner!
7.Convenient and cost-effective
Sleep masks allow you to find rest on the go. Whether you’re on a plane or taking a power nap on your lunch break, a sleep mask allows you to block out the world and create a restful state. Their portability also means you get more use out of them than an item that would only be usable in your home.
Additionally, compared to other items such as white noise machines and black-out curtains, sleep masks are incredibly affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a sleep mask good for the eyes?
Yes, a sleep mask is good for the eyes because it provides a layer of protection against things like the elements, abrasive bedding, or dirty pillows. Protection from bright light is also one of the major eye mask for sleeping benefits.
What is the best material for a sleep mask?
Cotton and silk are regarded as the ideal materials for a sleep mask. Whether you opt for cotton or silk, eye mask benefits include soft texture and gentleness on the skin.
Will sleep masks ruin eyelashes?
A sleep mask’s effects on your eyelashes depends on different factors such as what the mask is made of, if it is weighted or not, how snugly they fit, etc. A tight-fitting, weighted mask is more likely to affect your eyelashes. That’s why we always recommend getting a sleep mask that can be adjusted.
Can I sleep with a mask on?
Yes, you can (and should!) sleep with a mask on. Just make sure you use a mask that fits you well, feels comfortable, and gets you the restful sleep you deserve.
Enjoy Better Sleep with BON CHARGE
As you can see, the benefits of sleep masks are undeniable. Whether you’re looking to take a power nap during the day, reset your circadian rhythm, or just get better sleep in general, a high-quality sleep mask is the solution for you.
BON CHARGE offers you best-in-class sleep masks crafted from high quality materials, ranging from basic versions to contoured, black out masks. No matter what your preference, we’ve got the perfect fit for you.
Want to take that extra step for a better night’s sleep? Check out our specially designed sleep glasses to prepare your body and mind for rest.
Browse our collection and start getting better sleep today!
