And for good reason!
How sleep masks work.
Sleep masks are cloth coverings you put over your eyes when you want to go to sleep.
While they may look a little frivolous, they serve an important function: to block out light.
At this point, you may be thinking, “Isn’t that what eyelids are for?”
This means it’s important to keep your sleep environment as dark as possible.
Wearing a sleep mask is one way to block out any excess light that creeps into your sleep space.
Here are a fewother ways to block out light in the bedroomif you find masks too restrictive.
What to look for in a sleep mask.
First and foremost, you’ll want to look for a mask that’s comfortable for you.
Fit is also important.
Rifkin notes that masks that are too tight may restrict eye movement and impairdeep sleep stages like REM.
“Some people like vanilla.
Some people like chocolate.
I never recommend a particular one.
It’s really whatever’s best for you that blocks the light and is also really comfortable.”
Our product recommendations.
We narrowed it down to five options that would appeal to many different types of sleepers.
A thick, adjustable elastic band ensures that it stays snug.
Bonus: The outer layer is also machine washable.
It also comes with a silk carrying case for travel and is machine washable.
The Mavogel mask earns high marks for its breathable cotton exterior and comfortable five-layer design, too.
All that, and also it’s the most affordable on the list.
It also melds to your face shape to block out all incoming light.
Firm yet comfortable, it’s the eye mask I’ve personally been using and loving for years.
MantaSleep Mask($35)
