Should you wear a blindfold while sleeping? When should you use a blindfold while sleeping?

A blindfold is a tool usually made of dark fabric that helps block light from entering the eyes and creates complete darkness. Regarding the question of whether or not to wear a blindfold when sleeping, experts say that this is really necessary in environments that are too bright.

As you know, light is one of the signs that "wake up" the body. On the contrary, the body will react to darkness by creating a feeling of sleepiness. When the surrounding environment is too bright, it makes it difficult for you to sleep. Wearing a blindfold will help block light from entering the eyes, thereby helping us to fall asleep easily, fall asleep faster and prevent insomnia.

Should you wear a blindfold when sleeping?

The most obvious effect of using a blindfold when sleeping is to help improve sleep quality. Meanwhile, sleep plays an important role in each person's mental and physical health, including:

Reducing the risk of diseases

Sleep disorders not only reduce work productivity but also increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, headaches and can also lead to Alzheimer's disease. Some other diseases related to poor sleep quality include diabetes and cardiovascular problems.

Improve REM sleep

A 2017 study showed that patients who were frequently distracted by light and noise while sleeping increased REM sleep and increased melatonin levels when wearing an eye mask while sleeping. This helps improve sleep quality and balance hormones.



Reducing the risk of obesity

Scientists have shown that lack of sleep will increase the rate of obesity in children up to 89% and 55% in adults. The reason is that too short sleep, poor sleep quality will stimulate the production of leptin and ghrelin hormones - these are 2 hormones that cause hunger. From there, it can be explained that using eye masks will help limit the impact of sleep on light, help prevent hunger and reduce the risk of obesity.

Increase brain health

Improving sleep through the use of eye masks while sleeping will help the brain have superior memory performance as well as higher alertness, helping to increase concentration and judgment in making decisions.

Improve the immune system

According to research, people who sleep less than 7 hours a day are more likely to catch a cold than others. That shows that lack of sleep weakens the immune system, making the body susceptible to the common cold.


Helps protect the skin

This is a benefit that those who are wondering whether to wear an eye mask while sleeping will find very interesting. Because wearing a blindfold while sleeping limits the skin around the eyes from being exposed to the cold air of the air conditioner, it helps to limit the skin around the eyes from drying out and causing wrinkles

Helps improve brain health

According to a 2023 study, improving sleep through the use of a blindfold while sleeping helps the brain have superior memory performance and achieve higher alertness, thereby increasing the ability to concentrate and make decisions.
Who should use an eye mask when sleeping?

Although you know you should wear an eye mask when sleeping, in some cases this is not necessary. So, who should use an eye mask to get a better night's sleep? According to doctors, these are usually the following subjects:

Subjects with chronic insomnia, insomnia lasting more than 1 month. If you have chronic insomnia and do not immediately apply measures to help you sleep, you may face dangerous diseases such as cardiovascular disease or stroke, etc.

People who have difficulty sleeping, are sensitive and easily distracted by light.

People who often travel for work or travel and have to sleep in cars or on planes. On long trips, if you can take a nap, it will help you feel much less tired.

People who sleep in rooms without curtains.

People who want to have a good night's sleep during the day so they can work at night.

People who live in places with a lot of light or places with light pollution at night.

Is wearing a sleeping mask harmful?

Many people are wondering whether to use a sleeping mask because they are worried about the effects on their skin. You can consider the effects of sleeping masks on the skin as follows:

Fabric material has a great impact on the skin: Synthetic fabrics that rub a lot on the skin can lead to the creation of wrinkles and marks on the skin. Therefore, you should choose good quality fabrics such as silk to help limit this condition on the skin

In the case of acne-prone skin, you should pay attention to choosing a sleeping mask made from 100% natural, breathable materials such as cotton or silk, and should be washed regularly with fragrance-free and alcohol-free detergent.

Is wearing a sleeping mask harmful?
Popular types of sleep masks
Currently, there are popular types of sleep masks on the market that you can refer to such as:

- Massage eye masks

- Gel sleep masks

- Watery sleep masks

- 3D sleep masks

- Cloth sleep masks.

Conclusion: To improve the quality of good and deep sleep. You can choose to use a sleep mask if light affects your sleep. Hopefully, this article has helped you answer the question of whether or not to use a sleep mask to improve your sleep.