Sleep masks for men? Most men are already cringing at the thought. When we hear sleep masks, the majority would picture some famous actress in the ‘60s muttering a humorous line before fastening a mask on her face and drifting off into a sweet shuteye. It is no hidden fact that in pop culture, sleeping masks have been tagged with the womenfolk.
Nevertheless, the advantages of using sleep masks outweigh any criterion for any gender, and the cost of getting a sleep mask is affordable. Sleep masks are one of the pocket-friendly and effective ways to enjoy a good night’s rest – either at home or while traveling. It is something everyone should have.
What Are Sleep masks?
With the advent of “beauty sleep”, people have been thinking about how to take it to the next level, in a bid to enjoy better sleep. The introduction of sleep masks was much welcome as people saw it as a solution. Sleep masks were a great option for people whose sleeping routine was often in the daytime.
A sleep mask is a material used for sleeping aid. They often come in different shapes, sizes and materials. One of their uses is to enhance sleep by blocking out light, dust, and other particles that can disrupt sleep.
As a response to a dangerous environment, the body stays alert and active. While it is good for one to always be alert towards danger, not getting enough sleep would do the body lots of harm, this is why the environment must be right to fall asleep and enjoy quality sleep. A space designed for sleep should be comfortable and free from all external disturbance which includes artificial lighting, or even the sound of the TV in the background. Sleep masks can aid you in getting that perfect sleeping condition because they can help you create the ambiance of a dark, quiet room.
Why should you use a sleep mask?
Sleep masks help you to sleep better by creating the ambiance you need to fall asleep. It also helps you to block out external disturbances such as light, dust, and particles that float around. Total darkness sends a signal to the brain, telling it to produce melatonin – the hormone that controls sleeping and waking.
In olden times, before we had laptop screens in front of our faces at night, this tactic worked. However, with so many distractions caused by the light surrounding us, the rhythm has been thrown off balance. Sleep masks are essential because they mimic complete darkness, lulling the brain into sleep. Hence, the benefits of sleep masks for men cannot be overemphasized.
Who should wear a sleep mask?
While everyone would benefit from using a sleep mask, some people would enjoy the benefits more than others. They would find sleep masks especially beneficial if:
- There is an absence of a blackout curtain where they sleep.
- They suffer from insomnia.
- They often work night shifts.
Benefits of using sleep masks
Using a sleep mask can be part of your bedtime routine that gives your brain a sense of security, calmness, and comfortability. It (the routine) lulls your brain into sleep by telling it to shut off, to let sleep come
Since sleep masks aid you in falling asleep faster, it also increases the amount of sleep your body gets. Quality sleep can cause improvements on:
- Concentration and focus.
- Irritability, and mood.
- Reaction time.
- Sexual function.
- Self-control.
- Short-term loss of memory.
- Situational awareness.
Other benefits of having quality sleep would manifest in the long run. One of these benefits includes a lesser risk of having cardiovascular disease and stroke. Sleep is one of the most important parts of our life, but the sad truth is that it has been taken for granted. We borrow from the time meant for our sleep, thereby affecting our general wellbeing.
How to find the right sleep mask for sleeping benefits
While selecting a sleep mask, always go for comfortability. Choose a sleep mask that would make you comfortable. However, the selection still boils down to individual preferences. While some people prefer a sleep mask with a soft, fuzzy surface, others might prefer a shiny one, some get their comfort from a sleep mask with a cooling or heating effect.
Your sleep mask should not be too tight-fitting, and you should be able to maintain your comfort even when you decide to sleep on your side. Emphasize what feels best for you, not what looks best and you will find your preference of sleep masks. It is also essential to consider the weight, the materials used to make the mask, durability and portability (which is to be considered if you plan on using the mask on trips). Since one of the things sleep masks do is to block out light, it might take some time to adjust to the feeling of having something over your face all night. Therefore, while choosing a sleep mask, choose comfort.
Top Ten sleep masks for men
This mask boasts comfort like never seen before. If you are using sleep masks for the first time, it is guaranteed that you will adapt to this one within a couple of nights. The contoured design leaves sufficient space between your face and the mask, so your eyelids and eyelashes are undisturbed. While other contoured masks allow a bit of light in due to the space between your face and the mask, this brand does not have that issue. Bonus: it is also fitted with earplugs if sound also keeps you awake.
2. Sleep Master Deluxe Sleep Mask (No Head Strap)
If the name has a hard time convincing you, the strapless design probably will. Made with soft and breathable satin fabric and padding that wraps across the head, this sleep mask is easy to put on without discomfort. It is larger than most sleep masks, and that is what makes it the best in blocking out light.
3. Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask (silky smooth)
Simple, effective, light and luxurious, this sleep mask is made from mulberry silk fabric which makes it comfortable and light on the face. The straps can be adjusted, and the adjuster can be found at the back of the mask, making it a good choice for side sleepers as well. Its light-blocking properties are also top-notch. Once you put on this mask, you can simulate that total darkness scene and easily get that nap you deserve.
4. Tempur-Pedic Sleep Mask (Perfect Pressure)
Quite a shocker, is it not? But Tempur-Pedic does not just produce mattresses. The brand displays its expertise in the sleep business in the form of a mask. Made from the signature Tempur material, this sleep mask patterns the face, delivering just the perfect amount of pressure to ease the eyes. The straps can be adjusted, giving you a perfect fit on your face, but the mask is breathable, so your face won’t overheat.
5. Mavogel Sleep Mask (Covers the nose)
There would be no issue of light passing through the nose with this mask. With an ergonomic design and a patented bending cartilage, this mask can fit most faces and noses without any hassle and you can comfortably change your position during sleep effortlessly. The cotton triangle found on the sides aids in alleviating pressure on the face and eyes, and the five layers of lush, breathable material gives it a light-blocking property while still maintaining its softness on the face.
6. Imak Compression Sleep Mask (Therapeutic Option)
Modelled by an orthopaedic surgeon, this sleep mask is the best option for anyone that suffers from migraines, headaches, tension headaches, sinus pressure, and eye strain. It is also perfect for sleep and relaxation, it is filled with ergobeads which provides a tender massage effect for the eyes. Thanks to a special patented sewing design, there is little or no pressure on the eyes, while its weighted compression bestows a calming effect to the rest of the face. You can also keep it in the freezer a few hours before use – this helps to reduce puffy and tired eyes.
7. Nidra Sleep Mask (Firm feel)
This mask perfectly balances softness and firmness. It is soft on the face without losing its firmness. Adjustable straps and outlines that keep the material just above your face are bonuses as well. The only issue might be where the nose is cut out on this sleep mask. Although it does not cover the entirety of the nose, the cut of the nose might not fit every customer’s face comfortably.
8. Bucky 40 Blinks No Pressure (Beauty and Travel sleep mask)
This mask bears a close resemblance to the Nidra, however, there are differences between them. The bucky is slightly larger than the Nidra, which reduces its effectiveness in blocking light. It comes in seven different colours and extraordinary prints like marble, floral, and even tie-dye. The Bucky is like a one-size-fits-all type of sleep mask as it fits kids and adults alike.
This mask is fitted with a pillow of satin-covered foam that surrounds each eye, thereby elevating the mask. This feature makes it so that the wearer can blink without feeling the mask. This mask is for the back-sleepers though, since rolling on your side may push the mask out of position, placing too much pressure on the eye.
10. Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eye Mask
This mask boasts a fine fabric with a luxury experience. It keeps the face cool all through the night and it can be used while sleeping in any position. However, one of the downsides is that it is not adjustable and the absence of a velcro closure.
Conclusion
Sleep masks are not just for the womenfolk, men can use them as well. There are other varieties apart from the ten listed above and they are available on Amazon and other platforms. The use of sleep masks for men would help people sleep better and be more productive.