Sleep Eye Mask: Benefits, Risks & More

Sleeping Eye Masks: Benefits, Risks & Best Picks

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Exposure to light can make it difficult for your brain to achieve good sleep. If the environment isn’t as dark as it should be, it can affect your quality of sleep and disturb the circadian rhythm (your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle). Sleeping eye masks can be a great and simple way of blocking excessive light to help improve your sleep cycle.

What is a sleep eye mask and how does it work?

A sleep eye mask is an eye accessory designed to cover your eyes and block excess light from reaching your eyes, creating a perfect, sleep-ready dark environment for you whether you’re on the move or at home. In darkness, light-sensitive cells found in the retina (thin layer tissue at the back of the eye) send signals to your brain to secrete melatonin, which in turn, prepares your body to wind down and relax.

Benefits of a sleep eye mask

The most common benefits include:

Blocks out sunlight and artificial lighting such as streetlights or from digital devices that may prevent you from falling asleep.
Blocks visual distractions and creates a more restful environment before bedtime.
An affordable, portable and simple-to-use sleep aid that can be used anywhere, from a hotel, a flight or at home.

Risks of wearing sleep eye masks

The most common risks of wearing a sleep eye mask include:

Tight-fitting masks can put pressure on your eyelids, leading to discomfort. Wearing them overnight can leave you with blurry vision for a few minutes or even for hours after waking up.
Sleeping with an eye mask can trap natural oils and sweat, leading to irritation and acne on the skin around the eye area.
If the straps on your sleep masks are tight, this may put pressure on your eyes, giving you headaches.

How to choose the right sleep eye mask

Choose a sleep eye mask in breathable fabric to help maintain comfort for sensitive skin.
Go for a design and a fit that allows you to blink freely after wearing it.
If you have sensitive skin, a silk sleep eye mask can protect the delicate skin around the eye.
Ensure it fits snugly and doesn’t feel too tight or put pressure on your eyelids.

Hygiene and cleaning tips for sleep masks

A sleep eye mask can collect dirt, sweat and oil, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Keeping your eye mask clean and maintaining hygiene ensures that the mask is safe for your eyes and the skin surrounding them. Follow the tips below to keep it clean and hygienic.

Most sleep eye masks come with care instructions. Clean them according to the instructions mentioned on each package.
If the sleep masks include beads or other embellishments, ensure they don’t get damaged during the cleaning process.
Store them properly, away from dust when not in use.

Who should avoid sleep eye masks?

Sleep eye masks are generally not suitable for people with severe dry eye, however this is dependent on the type of mask used. People with glaucoma, active eye infection or have undergone recent eye surgery should avoid sleep eye masks. These masks are also not recommended for infants and children, as they may cause safety issues for them if not used properly. It is advised to consult with an eye care professional to check for suitability, according to your eye health.

Sleep eye mask vs compress eye mask

While sleep eye masks block out light to help with sleep, compress eye masks are designed to provide comfort and relief from various eye conditions and symptoms, including Blepharitis, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), styes, dry eyes, puffiness, red eyes, eye irritation and more.

A sleep eye mask can be used only to block out lights, no matter their material or type. On the other hand, therapeutic eye compresses can work either as a cold or a hot compress. A hot compress is used to improve oil gland functions and a cold compress helps with reducing eye swelling and inflammation.

One other major difference between regular sleeping masks and an eye compress is that sleep eye mask can be used for continuous wear; however, compress masks are for short-term use of up to 10 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Is wearing a sleep eye mask beneficial for your eyes?

Yes, eye masks can help you sleep by preventing light from reaching your eyes. They create a blackout setting for your eyes and signal the brain that it’s time to rest and relax.

Can an eye mask be used to treat a sleep disorder?

A sleep eye mask isn’t a cure for a sleep disorder. If you are having trouble with your sleep pattern, consult with a healthcare professional to help find solutions to your underlying problems.

How tight should a sleep eye mask be?

A sleep eye mask should fit comfortably to block out light and visual distractions. Also, it should be loose enough to ensure it doesn’t put pressure on your eyes.

How often should an eye mask be washed off?

It depends on your skin type, the material of mask and how often you use it. There are many different types of eye masks with different care instructions to follow. Avoid using harsh detergents when cleaning your mask to avoid any irritation.

Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eyecare professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.