Sleep Masks: The Unsung Heroes of a Good Night's Sleep

We thought it was about time we talked about something close to all our hearts (or eyes, rather): sleep masks. These nifty little sleep accessories might look like something out of a 1950s Hollywood starlet’s bedtime routine, but trust us, they’re the solution you never knew you needed when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. And if you personally love looking like a 1950s starlet, wearing one is a win-win.

If you’ve never tried wearing a sleep mask to bed, you could well be in for a revelation. Stick the kettle on, put your feet up, and get ready to dive into the wonderfully bizarre world of sleep masks.

What is a sleep mask?

Let’s start at the beginning. So, what is a sleep mask?

A mask for sleep is a piece of fabric designed to cover your eyes while you sleep. But it’s so much more than it appears. Sleep masks help to create a barrier between your eyes and the pesky sunlight that insists on waking you up at 5AM during the summer months. And they’re not just handy in the summertime. A mask for sleep also comes in handy for blocking out the light given off by that annoying streetlamp outside your bedroom window or those moments when your partner turns the light on to wake up for a shift or a night time toilet trip too.

They come in all shapes and sizes. From the basic, no-frills sleep masks that look like a black strip of fabric, to the deluxe versions filled with lavender and cooling gel, offering a spa experience right in your own bed, there really is a sleep mask for everyone. They even make ones that look like animal faces, so you can go to sleep looking like a panda, dark circles and all, and wake up feeling like a bear (in a good way, of course).

The science behind sleep masks

Now, it’s time for the science. When you wear a sleep mask, you’re telling your brain “It’s night-time, it’s time for sleep!” Your brain starts to produce melatonin, the hormone responsible for preparing the body for sleep, 2 hours before your usual bedtime. Bright light interferes with the production of melatonin. So, by blocking out all the light, a sleep mask may help your brain produce more melatonin, especially if you’re in an environment where light exposure is a problem. For example, one study in an intensive care unit showed that patients wearing an eye mask and ear plugs produced more melatonin, and had more REM sleep than those not wearing an eye mask (Hu et al 2010).

Another study in young adults, aged 18-35, found that when they wore an eye mask overnight, they scored more highly in tests of memory, which was linked to more time in deep, slow wave sleep (Greco et al 2022)

There’s also the psychological aspect. Wearing a sleep mask can become part of your bedtime ritual, signalling to your body that it’s time to switch off and drift into dreamland.

 

Sleep masks as a fashion statement

Let’s not forget the fashion angle for those budding style icons! Sleep masks can be a style statement, even if the only one seeing you is the cat, and with how judgmental they seem, especially if it’s only them. You’ve got your classic black eye masks for bed for the minimalist chic look, floral prints for a touch of elegance, and even superhero masks for the little ones (or comic book enthusiast) in us.

If you like, you can imagine yourself saving the world from insomnia one night at a time – and while adding a cape is optional, it’s not something we’d recommend. They do tend to get twisted up in the night which could cause havoc with your bedtime risk assessments.

And for those who really want to up their game, there are personalised sleep masks. Have your name embroidered on your sleep mask or go for something cheeky like “Do Not Disturb” or “Sleeping Beauty.” It’s a little like wearing a do-not-disturb sign on your face. Perfect for those mornings when you need to catch up on your sleep and don’t want anyone barging in with an “Are you awake?”

Celebrity endorsements for sleep masks

If you need further convincing that sleep masks are great, just look at the celebrity world. Everyone from Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to modern-day movie stars and influencers swears by their sleep masks. And if it’s good enough for the A-listers, it’s good enough for us mere mortals, right?

Imagine rocking a sleep mask that screams sophistication, like the one Audrey wore. As in Hepburn, not Roberts, from Coronation Street. Or how about one that’s inspired by those Hollywood glam icons? Glam-tastic isn’t just for the red carpet, it also works remarkably well in the bedroom too!

The many uses of a sleep mask

Think sleep masks are just for bedtime? Think again. They’re multi-functional marvels. Long-haul flight? Pop on a sleep mask, and you’re instantly in your own private pod, miles away from the crying baby three rows back. Noise cancelling headphones can help too.

Midday nap? A sleep mask is your best friend, blocking out the harsh daylight and making you feel like you’re tucked up in bed, even if you’re sprawled on the sofa.

Ever tried meditating? A sleep mask can help you get into the zone by blocking out distractions. Or maybe you’ve got a partner who insists on reading in bed with a light bright enough to land a plane. No problem, just slip on your sleep mask et voila! Hello darkness my old friend…

The battle of the sleep masks

Of course, not all sleep masks are created equal. There are budget options, which are essentially bits of fabric with elastic, and then there are the Rolls Royce types of sleep masks. Memory foam, cooling gel inserts, silk linings, some of these masks are so fancy, you might need a second mortgage to afford them. Though each specialist sleep mask is designed to enhance sleep quality in one way or another, if you’re splashing out on one it’s best to choose one that ties in with your personal sleep needs.

Budget masks will do the job, but splurging a bit might take your sleep experience to the next level. Silk masks are great for your skin and hair, while memory foam masks mould to your face shape, blocking out every last ray of light. And the ones with cooling gel inserts are ideal for those hot summer nights when even the thought of a duvet makes you sweat.

DIY sleep masks

Feeling crafty? Why not make your own sleep mask? All you need is some fabric, a bit of elastic, and a sewing kit. You can personalise it to your heart’s content; add some funky patterns, go wild with colours, or even stick on some googly eyes for a laugh.

Making your own sleep mask not only saves money but also gives you bragging rights. Next time someone compliments your sleep mask, you can casually drop, “Oh, this? I made it myself.” Cue instant admiration and perhaps even a request for one of their own.

The benefits beyond sleep

Aside from the obvious sleep benefits, wearing a sleep mask can also be good for your health. It reduces the strain on your eyes from artificial light, helping to prevent headaches and eye fatigue. And for the beauty-conscious among us, a sleep mask might even help reduce wrinkles. How? By stopping you from scrunching up your face in response to light. Who knew that a bit of fabric might just be your anti-ageing secret weapon?

Plus, wearing a sleep mask can give you that elusive “I woke up like this” look. No puffy eyes, no dark circles, just a well-rested, radiant you. All thanks to a simple accessory that fits in the palm of your hand.

The quirky side of sleep masks

Sleep masks also have a quirky side too. There are ones with built-in headphones for those who need a bit of white noise to drift off. Sleep masks that smell of lavender may help you relax with every breath. And even those masks that look like animals can be perfect for a bit of light-hearted bedtime fun. Imagine waking up next to a loved one wearing a panda mask. If that doesn’t make mornings better, we’re not sure what will.

Then there are even tech-savvy masks that track your sleep patterns and wake you up at the optimal time in your sleep cycle. These high-tech wonders sync with your smartphone and ensure you wake up feeling refreshed, not groggy.

The downsides to sleep masks (yes, they exist)

Alright, now that we’ve sang the praises of sleep masks, there are a few downsides you need to be aware of too.

For starters, they can sometimes slip off during the night, especially if you’re a restless sleeper. Waking up to find your mask halfway across the room isn’t ideal. Anything that makes you have to get out of bed in the night is going to hinder your sleep quality rather than help it, after all. Then there’s the issue of getting the right fit. Too tight, and you’ll feel like your head’s in a vice. Too loose, and it’ll end up more of a forehead accessory than a sleep aid.

And then there’s the “mask hair” situation. That’s when you wake up with a lovely line across your hair where the mask strap has been. But hey, that’s a small price to pay for a great night’s sleep, right?

Conclusion: the verdict on sleep masks

So, there you have it. Sleep masks: the simple, often overlooked accessory that could be what you need to transform your sleep from average to a-may-zing. They’re stylish, functional, and are handy in numerous scenarios. Whether you’re looking to improve your sleep, block out distractions, or just make a fashion statement, a sleep mask might just be your new best mate.

Next time you’re struggling to drift off, why not give a sleep mask a go? Who knows, you might just wake up feeling like a new person. And if nothing else, you’ll look incredibly sophisticated while you’re dreaming of tomorrow. So, why not treat yourself to a sleep mask, and see if you can say goodbye to sleepless nights?