Sleep Masks

If you have trouble sleeping because the room is not dark enough, or you can’t stop looking at your digital alarm clock, then a sleep mask may be the answer. Many times when we are looking for ways to fall asleep we overlook the obvious, like blocking out all light. Even with light blocking shades or drapes this can be a difficult task.

There are nighttime light distractions everywhere, from streetlights and floodlights outside our home, to all of the lights from electronics we have in our own bedrooms today. And if you are a night-shift worker trying to sleep during the day, this might be a way for you to fall asleep faster.

Sleep masks are all basically the same shape, however they come in a variety of materials and price ranges. You do not have to spend a lot of money, just as long as you find one that does the job.

Nylon sleep masks are among the most inexpensive and easiest to find, usually being light with little padding and a plain elastic strap – you can find them for as little as $5. From there you will find sleep masks made out of fleece, foam, silk, and a variety of other materials, along with varying amounts of padding.

More expensive varieties include designs where there are contoured pockets built into the mask, leaving enough space to for you to open your eyes and blink without having any contact with the mask. If you have the tendency to feel claustrophobic, then this type may appeal to you.

Look for a sleep mask that will block out all forms of light – one that is designed to prevent light from creeping in around the sides and top and especially around the nose (this is where a lot of the cheaper masks fail). Second to light blocking, would be strap comfort – it is important to find one that is adjustable without having an irritating fastener. The last thing you want is to have your hair pulled or head poked when moving around in your sleep.

Now, if you have never worn a mask to bed, it might take some time to get used to something on your face. Try covering your eyes with a light hand towel or t-shirt to see what it might feel like, and if you think that it will tend to bother you, then you may want to opt for a lighter mask to start.