Sleeping with an Eye Mask: Everything You Need To Know

Wearing a sleep mask isn’t just for day naps or sleeping while travelling. Eye masks and sleep masks are a popular sleep accessory for people who are especially sensitive to light. But how do you pick a sleep mask? What are the benefits of wearing one? And. . . Do they even really work?

Sleep Masks 101: What They Do

Sleep masks are a fabric square connected with an elastic or velcro to make a “headband” that people wear to cover their eyes while they sleep. They are particularly helpful to block out artificial light from phones, alarm clocks and other electronic devices as well as natural light.

Arguments Against Eye Masks

Some of the arguments against eye makes is that it’s bad for your vision and can cause wrinkles. For many of these arguments, it all comes down to care and eye mask selection.

Eye masks could cause blurry vision or eye damage - if the eye mask is too tight and is worn too tightly over a long period of time. Eye masks, when worn properly, aren’t adding pressure onto your eyes or face. It is the ill-fitted eye mask that could have side effects. Eye masks also need to be washed regularly.

Will Eye Masks Give You Wrinkles

In regards to wrinkles and eye masks, it’s no different than pillow cases. Over the past few years, finer materials such as silk have been recommended for pillowcases - and eye masks - to ease abrasion to the skin. So the answer to if eye masks can give you wrinkles is yes, but no more than a pillowcase or sleeping face down would. Being aware of materials and choosing one that is soft and smooth can keep your skin fresh. 

This mindset should be taken when choosing pillows, pillow cases, sheets, blankets and even pajamas. When we’re getting ready to sleep, comfort and coziness is key. It can also help to keep you feeling refreshed and rested when you wake up.

How To Choose a Sleep Mask

When choosing a sleep mask, time and patience are key. The first eye mask you buy may not be the right one for you. That being said, here are some things to look for when choosing an eye ask. 

Material

Silk is a popular sleep mask material because it’s soft and smooth. It will not rub against or irritate your skin while you sleep, it won’t disrupt any face moisturizers and it won’t tug on any delicate skin or hair - like eyelashes - while you sleep. Silk is a popular choice with the recent focus on how it can help reduce wrinkles as a pillowcase.  Polyester is popular for feeling like silk at a lower price point. 

Cotton is another popular choice for face masks. Silk can get hot and cotton can be cool in humid weather. 100% cotton masks can be quite soft and are affordable as well.

Fit

As mentioned before, eye masks should not add pressure to your eyelids while you sleep. At the same time, you don’t want it to be letting in any light or it goes against the purpose of wearing it. A popular type of eye mask is one that contours to the face and bubbles out slightly by the eyes to remove eye pressure all together. 

Adjustable straps can also help to customize fit. 

Be aware of the size and length of the mask. While it’s fine for some, others may feel claustrophobic with an eye mask that covers a larger portion of the face. 

Where to Buy a Sleep Mask

With the importance of sleep becoming more recognized and a general increase in education about the value of sleep, sleep aids like sleep masks are easily available and are being sold in all types of stores. General stores, super stores, grocery stores, book stores and almost every other store that sells wellness or sleeping goods will have eye masks. The “right price” of an eye mask really depends on the material and shape you want. This mindset also applies to the “best” sleep mask. They can be rated by other people but it really comes down to personal comfort and preference. 

Sleep Mask Technology

It wouldn’t be the 21st century without smart sleep products. Eye masks are no exception.

There are a variety of smart eye masks out there if you’re looking for one that goes the extra mile. There are sleep masks that apply pressure to acupuncture points around your temples and eyes. Some sleep masks connect to bluetooth to play lullabies, white noise or sleep songs. There are sleep masks designed for side sleepers and front sleepers specifically. There are even eye massager sleep masks!

But. . . Do They Really Work?

There’s no doubt that there is hype around sleep masks for a better night's sleep. And the hype is worth it. A study that looked at the use of eye masks paired with ear plugs found supporting evidence that eye makes really do work. Participants fell asleep faster, had longer REM sleep cycles and were less disrupted by additional light and noise. 

Sleep Masks for Quality Sleep

If light bothers you when you’re falling asleep, a sleep mask is the next best step. They can be more economical than blackout curtains and can be taken with you if you travel. Since darkness is best friends with sleep, there’s no better sleep accessory for bed time than a sleep mask.