Fall Asleep and Stay Asleep Using the Best Sleep Mask

At the end of this buying guide, those of you having issues with falling asleep will not remember what it feels like to lose one second of sleep.

Believe us when we say that we understand how frustrating it can get when sleep calls, but ambient lights, street light, or even sunlight prevents you from reaching dreamland. Well, at the end of this guide, these problems will be no more.

We have already provided you with the best sleep masks in the review above, so, you should have little to no issues with blocking out light and start sleeping like a baby in no time.

For the remainder of this article, we would be showing you what you stand to gain when you sleep with a sleep mask on. Also, we would be advising our readers on factors to consider to enable them to select the best sleep mask.

What is a Sleep Mask?

Sleep masks, in simple terms, are comfortable blindfolds that block out external sources of light from reaching the eyes. These masks are perfect for people who find it hard to sleep in the night with the lights on. They are also recommended for use while on a plane, train, bus, or during a mid-day siesta.

How do Sleep Masks Work?

The working principle of sleep masks isn’t complex. They simply prevent external light artificial light that suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone that induces sleep from getting into the eyes.

The job of the sleep mask is to realign the body’s internal clock with the rising and setting of the sun and block out all types of artificial light, whether blue light from our phones, street lights, or ambient light.

What are the Benefits of Sleeping with Sleep Masks?

Apart from the obvious benefits you get from sleep masks, which is shielding the eyes from artificial light, here are several other benefits you stand to gain when you sleep with a sleep mask on.

Protection of the Skin Around the Eyes

How do sleep masks protect the skin around the eyes, you ask? The answer is simple. When we sleep, we tend to push our faces into the mattress, pillow, and bedsheets. This behavior tends to leave an imprint on our faces. These imprints stay for hours and can lead to wrinkles on the skin on the face.

Increase in the Body's Melatonin Level

Melatonin is produced in the body when day turns to night. This hormone’s one job is to make it falling asleep easy. When the Melatonin level is low, it becomes hard to fall asleep.

Also, low melatonin levels will make trying to fall asleep during the daytime an issue. With the help of a sleep mask, people who need to sleep in the day because they work at night and will have no trouble falling asleep.

Relief from Pain and Pressure

Pain and pressure around the face can make it hard to fall asleep, so getting a sleep mask becomes essential. Sleep masks today are lightweight. They provide the right amount of pressure needed to counter discomforts like migraines and sinus problems.

In addition to this, several other sleep masks come with a cooling effect that is necessary to alleviate pain. Once microwave warmed, these sleep masks can be worn to hasten the healing process.

Improved Concentration during the Day

When you sleep well at night, you should have no issues with being productive during the day. A good night rest will prevent accidents at work and school,

Reduces Swelling around the Eye

Some nose masks are customized to generate a cooling effect when worn over the eyes; these cooling effects help with reducing swelling and puffy eyes. By being cool, the sleep mask can constrict the blood vessels, which in turn prevents inflammation and swelling.

Features to Look out for When Selecting a Sleep Mask

The Sleep Mask Material

Sleep masks can be made of different materials, some of which include silk, satin, cotton, memory foams, polyester, gel, and beads. Each of these materials has its benefits.

Silk, for one, offers the best light blocking properties, and it is a luxury material. Cotton also has its advantages as it is perfect for people with sensitive skin. It is also washable and offers a high water-absorbing capacity that prevents the growth of molds.

The Comfort Level

The material and fitting of a sleep mask are features that affect the level of comfort level a sleep mask offers.

Ensure you select materials that don’t irritate your skin. Also, choose sleep masks that are a perfect fit. We advise side sleepers to opt for sleep masks with slim designs; this will prevent them from exerting pressure on the side of the face when they sleep.

Lastly, people who sleep on their backs should go for masks that offer a cavity between the masks and the eyes.

The Light Blocking Intensity of the Sleep Mask

Sleep masks have varying light-blocking intensity. The higher the light-blocking power, the better and the more effective the sleep mask will be at performing its function. The sleep mask you choose should be contoured to the shape of your face, as this improves the light-blocking properties.

The Sleep Mask Fitting

Ensure that the sleep mask you choose is the proper fitting for your type of face and eyes. If you like to open your eyes while you wait for sleep to come, sleep masks with crevices should be on the top of your list. Also, side sleepers should avoid metal or plastic band adjusters that need to be attached to the side of the head.

FAQs

Is it Good to Sleep with a Sleep Mask?

According to sleep Expert Samuel Gurevich, MD. Sleep masks aid in blocking out light, which is essential to achieving a calm sleeping environment.

Are sleep masks bad for your skin?

Many sleep masks are made from soft materials that pose no harm to the skin. In fact, since a good night's sleep is crucial for preventing pimples, acne, and cysts breakouts. Sleep masks can be said to be good for the skin.

Do sleeping masks help with dark circles?

Many sleep masks are designed to help with the puffiness of the eyes. They are packed with technology that aids in relieving tension around the eyes.