{"id":26537,"date":"2022-03-23T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-23T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog-staging.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/weighted-eye-mask-for-sleeping\/"},"modified":"2025-01-13T15:51:33","modified_gmt":"2025-01-13T15:51:33","slug":"weighted-eye-mask-for-sleeping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva-node-stage.tsc-starts-coding.com\/blog\/weighted-eye-mask-for-sleeping\/","title":{"rendered":"Can a Weighted Eye Mask Help You Sleep Better?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Many of us struggle to get the self-care<\/a> and shuteye we need, so it’s no wonder weighted eyes masks are surging in popularity these days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As is the case with any new, splashy product, there are numerous purported benefits of a using heavy sleep mask<\/a>. These include everything from relieving stress and anxiety to soothing dry eyes. But which ones check out?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We asked a sleep doctor to weigh in on some of the most frequently asked questions about weighted eye masks. Here’s a quick guide, plus our recommendations for how to find the best weighted eye mask for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a weighted eye mask?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA weighted sleep mask is an eye mask that contains weighted material, such as microbeads or sand,\u201d says Stephanie Stahl<\/a>, MD, sleep medicine physician at Indiana University Health. They\u2019re often made with a soft fabric like silk<\/a>, satin, fleece, jersey, or cotton and weigh a little over half a pound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just as a massage therapist might put a heavy, warm towel above your eyes to promote relaxation, the additional pressure from a sleep mask may help you decompress and drift off more easily. (The right bedding can also help you be more comfortable at night. Check out our guide to comforters vs. blankets<\/a> to find out which type of bedding is best for you.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of weighted eye masks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There’s no research on weighted eye masks yet, so it’s difficult to evaluate potential benefits, says Stahl. However, anecdotal evidence and existing sleep science<\/a> do give us some clues as to why they may lead to sleep and health gains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“As with conventional eye masks, these masks can also block out light,” says Stahl. “Darkness during our sleep period is important for optimal sleep and health.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, one study found an earplug\/sleep mask combo<\/a> helped ICU patients produce more melatoni<\/a>n<\/a> (the sleep-promoting hormone), fall asleep faster, and spend more time in deep sleep with fewer disruptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A weighted sleep mask is also generally more affordable than the blackout shades or curtains sleep doctors often recommend to optimize your sleep space<\/a>. And, unlike some medications and alcohol, it’s free of side effects, non-habit-forming, and won’t lead to a hangover<\/a> in the morning. So if you work the night shift<\/a>, it might be worth a try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then there’s the psychological effect of putting on a weighted eye mask for anxiety before bed<\/a>. Adding this step to your wind-down routine could help evoke a sense of safety, comfort, and relaxation. After a stressful day, this may help you shift out of alert mode and ease into sleep more quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some weighted sleep mask users also say they help relieve dry eyes and migraines<\/a>, but more research is needed on these claims.  (Learn about weighted stuffed animals<\/a> and weighted pillows<\/a> and whether they can help you sleep better.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Improve your sleep with Saatva's selection of eye masks<\/p>\n \n \n \n

\n \n \"saatva\n <\/a>\n\n \n

\n Weighted Silk Eye Mask<\/a>\n <\/h4>\n\n \n

Drift into dreamland with our sleep-enhancing weighted eye mask made of the finest quality mulberry silk. It blocks out light for more restful sleep as it gives your eyes the calming, therapeutic effect of deep pressure stimulation.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n \n Shop Now\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n \"saatva\n <\/a>\n\n \n

\n Silk Eye Mask<\/a>\n <\/h4>\n\n \n

Drift into dreamland with our sleep-enhancing eye mask made of the finest quality mulberry silk. It keeps light out for more uninterrupted sleep\u2014no matter where you are.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n \n Shop Now\n <\/a>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Qualities to look for in a weighted eye mask<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The top three features to consider when shopping for a high-quality weighted eye mask include the material, fill, and weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n