Is Having A Sleep Mask Really Helpful For Sound Sleep?
A sleep mask, also known as an eye mask, is usually made of a soft material that blocks out light as it covers the eyes and fastens around the head with an adjustable band. A sleep mask blocks out any sources of light from reaching your eyes.
Sleeping in a totally dark room is necessary to increase production of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that is released by the pineal gland located in the brain which operates the sleeping cycle. As the melatonin level in your body increases, you are able to fall asleep faster and sleep deeper.
If your eyes do not have complete darkness while you are trying to sleep, the melatonin level will not increase to the proper level needed for sleep. If there is any light in the room, such as from a street light, night light, or light from another room, it will disrupt melatonin production which will cause you to lose sleep.
Researchers have discovered that light in the room during while sleeping may cause breast cancer in women making it even more reason to be sure of getting a solid night’s sleep.
Many people wear sleep mask and believe that it is the best way to get a solid night’s sleep. If you are the type that any light in the room prevents you from getting to sleep, or interrupts your sleep, you may want to consider getting a sleep mask.
Sleep masks are great for people who work odd hours or shifts and are sleeping during the day. They are also the perfect solution for airline travelers who are constantly traveling from one time zone to another having their sleep patterns constantly interrupted. Even new mothers who need to get up at all hours of the night to tend to their babies can find sleep masks helpful. If you sleep at one time and your partner sleeps at another time, a sleep mask can give you the sleep you need when your partner has the lights on.
When shopping for the top sleep masks, check to make sure the material is soft and shaped to fit over your eyes comfortably. Sleep masks that are too tight will cause sweating around the eyes, and marks under the eyes. If the material is too coarse, it will irritate the soft skin around the eyes. Also check the band that holds the sleep mask in place. The band should be adjustable, so that it can fit your head comfortably without being too tight.
