Gina Johnson
Sleep masks are fabric eye masks used to improve sleep quality. While there is little scientific research supporting their effectiveness, sleep masks are said to help you fall asleep faster and increase the amount of sleep you get. Sleep masks can be particularly useful for those who don't have blackout curtains, suffer from insomnia, or work night shifts. They can also help to block out light when sleeping during the day or while travelling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Block out light | Help create a dark, quiet room |
| Help you fall asleep faster | Increase the amount of sleep you get |
| Create a calming environment | Help the brain to recognise that everything is safe, calm and comfortable |
| Portable | Easy to carry on the go |
| Block out ambient light | Help the body feel more relaxed |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep masks can help you fall asleep faster and increase the amount of sleep you get
While there isn't a lot of research supporting the effectiveness of sleep masks, they seem to help anecdotally. Most sleep masks are also portable and easy to carry with you on the go. By blocking out light and eliminating distractions, sleep masks can help your body fall asleep quicker and increase the amount of REM sleep you get over time.
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They can help you achieve a dark, quiet room
Sleep masks can help you achieve a dark, quiet room. They block out ambient light and help your body feel more relaxed. This is especially useful if you don't have blackout curtains, or if you're trying to sleep during the day.
Sleep masks can also help you fall asleep faster, increasing the amount of sleep you get. They can be part of a calming bedtime routine that conditions your brain to recognise that everything is safe, calm and comfortable.
Sleep masks are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. They are also usually portable and easy to carry with you on the go.
While there isn't a lot of research supporting their effectiveness, Dr Gurevich says that "it depends on the person. People need to find out what works best for them."
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They can help you feel relaxed in a bright environment, such as on a plane
Sleep masks can help you feel relaxed in a bright environment, such as on a plane, by blocking out ambient light. This can help you fall asleep faster and increase the amount of sleep you get. Dr. Gurevich says that while there isn't a lot of research supporting their effectiveness, they seem to help people anecdotally. He adds that anyone could benefit from wearing a sleep mask, especially if you don't have blackout curtains where you sleep, have insomnia, or work a night shift.
Sleep masks are usually portable and easy to carry with you on the go. They can help you eliminate distractions that keep you up at night, allowing your body to fall asleep quicker and increasing the amount of REM sleep you get over time.
Sleep expert Samuel Gurevich, MD, says that it depends on the person, and that people need to find out what works best for them. However, he adds that a safe, calm environment is important for a good night's rest, and blocking out light is part of that.
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![TheSleepGuard Pure Silk Sleep Mask [100% 6A Mulberry Silk, 22 Momme] Light Blocking Travel Essentials. Eye Masks for Sleeping. Black Oeko-Tex Blindfold. Eye Covers for Men & Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71WqxZBe2hL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
They can be part of a calming bedtime routine
Sleep masks can be part of a calming bedtime routine that conditions your brain to recognise that everything is safe, calm and comfortable. They can help you fall asleep faster, increasing the amount of sleep you get. Sleep masks are especially useful if you don't have blackout curtains, work night shifts, or sleep during the day. They can also help you get more REM sleep by eliminating distractions and blocking out ambient light.
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They can help you get more REM sleep
Sleep masks can help you get more REM sleep. REM stands for rapid eye movement, and most individuals need at least 90 minutes of REM sleep every night to wake up feeling refreshed. However, if you're tossing and turning throughout the night or struggling to get eight hours of sleep, you may get less REM sleep than you think.
Sleep masks can help you get more REM sleep by blocking out ambient light and helping your body feel more relaxed. They can also help you fall asleep faster, which may increase the amount of sleep you get overall. Sleep masks are also portable and easy to carry with you on the go, so you can use them when travelling or during the day if that's when you normally sleep.
Dr Gurevich says that while anyone could benefit from wearing a sleep mask, you may find them particularly useful if you don't have blackout curtains where you sleep, have insomnia, or work a night shift. He adds that a safe, calm environment is important for a good night's rest, and blocking out light is part of that.
Sleep masks can also be part of a calming bedtime routine that conditions your brain to recognise that everything's safe, calm and comfortable. Your routine tells the brain it's time to shut off and let sleep come.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleep masks can help you fall asleep faster, increasing the amount of sleep you get. They can also help you feel more relaxed by blocking out light.
Sleep masks can help you fall asleep faster by creating a dark, quiet room. This can be especially useful if you don't have blackout curtains, work night shifts, or struggle to sleep on planes.
Sleep masks are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, so you can find one that's comfortable for you.
According to sleep expert Dr. Gurevich, "it depends on the person." While there isn't a lot of research supporting their effectiveness, sleep masks seem to help some people anecdotally.
