Can't sleep? | The Benefits of Using an Eye Mask for Sleeping to Help Combat Insomnia
While we would all love to be able to go to bed and fall asleep immediately, the reality is that there are a number of reasons why that isn’t possible. Insomnia is a real issue for a lot of people, and it’s not always stress that keeps us awake when all we want to do is sleep. For example, if you work something other than the “normal” 9 to 5 office hours kept by others, you may be forced into sleeping during the day when the sun is at its brightest. This is where a sleep eye mask can come into play, as it can make you feel as though you are in the darkest possible space, making it easier to slip into deep REM sleep.
The sleep mask benefits are wide and varied and go beyond just blocking out the light. What you will find, though, is that there are all kinds of different sleep masks on the market, making it tough to know which one to buy. We believe that a contoured 3D memory foam eye mask is the way to go to enjoy the largest number of benefits. The main reason why this is the case is because the mask blocks out the light but does not put any type of pressure on your eyelids. There is a little bit of vanity at play here, too, as ladies who have applied eye make-up can take a nap during the day, safe in the knowledge that it will still be perfectly smear free when wearing a contoured 3D eye sleep mask. This also makes it the perfect sleeping eye mask to use with eyelash extensions.
While the make-up issue may apply mainly to women, it is worth noting here that contoured memory foam sleep masks are also regularly used by men interested in getting a great night of sleep as they don't irritate eyelashes. Getting into REM sleep is the goal for everyone when they head to bed, as that is when your body gets the recuperative rest that it needs to function at its best. The more hours of REM sleep that you can get, the more rested you are going to feel in the morning. With zero pressure on the eyelids, the Zenesse Health 3D sleep mask makes it easier to get into that perfect state of sleep, making it a great night time sleep mask for men and women alike.
Specific Things that a Sleep Eye Mask Can Help With
We have already explained how a good sleep mask can help you get to sleep and into the REM stage as quickly as possible, but we should also talk about the specific things that a sleep mask can help with. There are sure to be more than those mentioned below, but here are 5 of the most common issues that a sleep mask for eyes can help with:
Insomnia – The number of people who suffer from insomnia is staggering, but it has been found that a quality sleep eye mask can help with this specific problem. If it takes you more than 30 minutes to fall asleep, or if you are awake countless times throughout the night, you know all about insomnia and the negative effects it can have on your waking hours. A good eye mask for sleep can block out all external light, which is very often at the root of insomnia, allowing you to drift off quicker and get into that all-important REM sleep. Again, the 3D eye mask is the way to go, as it creates a perfect pocket of darkness with no pressure on the eyelids.
Dry Eye – While not specifically created for dry eye purposes, the 3D sleep mask does a great job of helping with this particular issue. If you wake up every morning with crusty eyes that are itchy and irritated, dry eye is an issue. The reality is that your eyelids are exposed to the elements in your room, many of which can have a drying effect on the eyes. When you wear a 3D mask, you essentially create a little hothouse that hold enough humidity to keep your lids and lashes moist and free from the dry eye issue.
Wrinkles – It is true that wrinkles are a part of the aging process, but there are things that we do that can speed up the appearance of wrinkles, with out sleep patterns being one of them. When you move around at night while your sleep, you are potentially delivering a collagen breakdown in your skin, which in turn can lead to wrinkles around the eyes. When you wear a sleep mask, you create a barrier between the skin and fabric of your pillowcase and bed sheets that is nearly impossible to penetrate. Yes, you are still going to get wrinkles as you get older, but a good 3D foam sleep mask can help prevent those deep lines around the eyes.
Meditation & Yoga – To this point, all we have talked about with the eye mask is sleeping, but there are other times when it can come in handy. Yoga and meditation are becoming more and more common as people look for natural ways to relax and combat stress. Both of these techniques are as much about the mind as they are the body, and it can be tough to focus in the daylight when you have bright sunlight streaming in. The best sleep masks are able to fully block out that light to help you maintain your focus and a clear headspace perfect for meditation and yoga.
Travel & Flying – Business folks who travel regularly very often spend a lot of time on the plane, which is not always the most pleasant experience. Trying to get a decent sleep on a longer flight can also be problematic, especially since there is so much light and movement inside the cabin, both of which can prove to be a major distraction. A sleep eye mask with earphones can help block out all of that external stimuli, allowing you to drift off into REM sleep until you arrive at your final destination.
The sleep mask list on Amazon is a long one, but we suggest that you go with a contoured memory foam 3D eye mask that can deliver all of these fabulous benefits, plus many more besides.
1. Comfort+ Advanced Premium Sleep Mask
A truly 'premium' product, the Comfort+ sleep mask features advanced 3D memory foam for ultimate comfort and 100% light blocking; with deep contoured eye cavities to eradicate eyelash irritation and promote deep REM sleep.
It also boasts a contoured nose shape with a soft light-blocking fabric baffle design that won’t impede breathing, irritate nasal passages or trigger sinus conditions.
The mask is finished in a luxurious, plush fabric that also extends to the unique side 'comfort panels' which is a great feature for side-sleepers.
IDEAL FOR: insomnia, headaches, migraines, shift workers, airplane travel, yoga & meditation - promotes deep REM sleep.
SUMMARY: a superior "go-to" product in terms of comfort and light-blocking properties, perfect for improving sleep quality and helping to combat insomnia.
Available on Amazon for $15.99
2. Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask
A great budget 3D mask option, super lightweight with contoured eye cavities. So like the Comfort+ above, it does not put pressure on your eyes or impede your airway.
Although the nose is shaped (unlike most cheaper eye masks) the mask does not feature a nose baffle or deep memory foam layer, so there is a slight amount of light leakage.
IDEAL FOR: primarily this mask is thin and lightweight, so great for travel and quick naps. Particularly if wearing makeup.
SUMMARY: a cheaper and thinner mask that still features a contoured eye cup design and formed nose shape. Some light leakage but handy budget option for travel.
Available on Amazon for $12.90
3. Sleep Master Sleep Mask
A wide, 'full wrap' eye mask for sleeping that helps to muffle sound as it also covers the ears.
Featuring a soft breathable satin fabric and full padding right around the head, it fastens at the back with velcro tabs.
Super comfortable and would be great for yoga or meditation. Does not feature eye cavities however. So if your eyelashes get irritated by traditional sleep masks, or if you wear makeup this may not be an ideal choice for you.
IDEAL FOR: superior comfort, light elimination & sound reduction, insomnia, migraines, side sleepers, meditation.
SUMMARY: a more expensive full wrap satin sleep mask that also muffles sound (so you may not need ear plugs). Comfortable and padded but with no eye cavities. Can get a little warm.
Available on Amazon for $37.85