I have a really good friend who lives out of state (shout out to Kelly!), and almost every Christmas, we usually exchange gift packages with one another. These packages are never anything over the top or super fancy, but a lot of love is sent in each package.

One year, besides a number of items, I was gifted a super soft silk sleep mask. I never owned a sleep mask before then, but I had always wanted to try one. Now, as of today, it’s the one sleep accessory I can’t live without. (Okay, well I can, but I prefer not to.) Why? Because of all the nifty sleep mask benefits.

Whether you’re looking for an eye mask for sleeping benefits or something specific like silk eye mask benefits, here’s why you need to add a sleep mask to your nightly bedtime routine like yesterday.

What is a sleep mask?

Okay, so what exactly is a sleep mask? Sleep masks are pretty basic. Simply put, sleep masks are cloth coverings that are to be worn over the eyes when you sleep to help block out light. 

You don’t necessarily have to wear your sleep mask all night. I prefer to start my night sans the eye mask but will leave it on my nightstand so when I wake up in the early morning hours (usually 3 am-4 am) I can place it over my eyes before drifting back to sleep for some much-needed shut-eye.

Anyone can wear a sleep mask to reap those sleep mask benefits, but they’re especially helpful for those who live in cities, shift workers who may need to sleep during the day, and individuals who frequently travel across time zones.

The importance of a sleep mask

Wait, so why do we need a sleep mask when we have eyelids? While eyelids can totally promote darkness, some light can still reach the brain when our eyes are closed, especially when sleeping in brighter environments or rooms.

The thing is, even the tiniest bit of light can send a signal to the brain to stay awake via an eye-brain connection pathway called the retinal hypothalamic tract. Essentially, if you have light exposure at night too close to bedtime, the body thinks it’s seeing a sunrise when it should really be seeing a sunset.

When this happens, it can affect the body’s natural circadian rhythm and suppress sleep-supporting hormones like melatonin. 

“Eye masks are useful for sleep in places where our eyelids are not able to block out all of the light,” shares Saya Nagori, MD, ophthalmologist and CEO of EyeFacts. “They lead to an overall average of 27 more minutes of sleep and 2% more REM sleep.”

So what are these eye mask for sleeping benefits I speak of? Keep reading…

Eye mask for sleeping benefits

1. Better eye health

“If you ever have dry itchy eyes, they are also good for keeping your eyes feeling better during the day,” notes Nagori, “and over time a good sleep mask can avoid wrinkling in the sensitive skin near your eyes.” Interested in learning more about eye health? We got you, boo.

2. Better sleep

Keeping a dark room can help our sleep quality, but items like blackout curtains can be quite an expense for those of us who, like me, live in a vibrant city with brighter surrounding environments.

Thankfully, a well-designed body of research published in Sleep discovered that something as simple as wearing an eye mask to bed can go a long way toward helping you achieve a better night’s sleep and, in turn, improve cognition. Basically, wearing a sleep mask to bed can help keep you focused and mentally sharp. (I’ll take both, please!)

3. Helps you draw inward

Silk eye mask benefits can also include something so innocuous, yet so profound — eye masks for sleep can help you draw your attention inward, settle your energy before bed, and withdraw from the stimulation of the day. Doesn’t that sound absolutely lovely and super peaceful? Keep in mind, sleep masks aren’t the end-all-be-all for other sleeping habits, but they can sure as heck help.

What about weighted sleep masks?

If you’re all about that weighted blanket lifestyle, you may also want to consider a weighted sleep mask. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine showed that weighted blankets resulted in more daytime productivity and reduced anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

Using similar technology, weighted sleep masks press around the eyes, which are meant to help trigger the parasympathetic system, minimizing the “fight-or-flight” response and setting the body and mind up for a better night of sleep. Some weighted sleep masks can even relieve sinus pressure and tension around the eyes.

How to choose an eye mask for sleeping benefits

Whether you’re looking for sleep mask benefits or silk eye mask benefits, you’ll first and foremost want to select a sleep mask that’s comfortable for you. Avoid anything that feels too restrictive. Natural fabrics such as cotton or silk are both nice options, but everyone is different so choose one that works best for you.

Nagori says silk has often been preferred due to its non-irritating nature, light feel, and natural cooling properties. “If you prefer something with a bit more ‘fluff’ to it though, there are other options in cotton or blends as well,” she says. Just make sure to explore multiple options before making a purchase.

Fit is also super important. Sleep masks that are too tight may restrict eye movement and impair deep restorative sleep like REM cycles. However, sleep masks that are too loose may fall off in the middle of the night, which may make you more susceptible to potential light exposure. That means fragmented sleep and wakefulness at all the wrong times. (No thank you!)

“Buying one with an adjustable strap is nice in case you have different circumstances under which you sleep,” shares Nagori. You’ll also want to make sure your mask has full coverage so your eyelids are fully covered. “After all, they [eyelids] are just a thin layer of skin and are mostly there to protect your eyes from anything that might get in, so make sure your mask has full coverage,” she adds.

The most important thing is that the sleep mask you choose fits well and stays on your eyes comfortably and securely all night long until you need to wake up. Whatever is best for you that blocks out the light and is comfortable. Any extra features it includes are an added bonus.

The bottom line on eye masks

We sleep best in dark environments, and one of the benefits of using a sleep mask regularly is an added layer of darkness, which provides a plethora of other benefits as well.

Whether you’re interested in an eye mask for sleeping benefits or even silk eye mask benefits, it really doesn’t matter which kind of eye mask for sleep you choose as long as it’s comfortable and fits properly while blocking out any light. Night, night, sleep tight!