Block artificial light with a sleep mask overnight
On the benefits of wearing a sleep mask in bed
Jan. 24, 2020 - Willem L. Middelkoop
Over the past few weeks I have been experimenting with wearing a sleep mask in bed, blocking all light. Our bodies produce the sleep hormone, melatonin, in darkness. Living in an environment awash in artificial light, is therefore exactly the sort of thing that disrupts one's circadian rhythm. Can a simple mask help?
Continue reading![Pavlovian response: my body knows it's time to sleep when I put my mask on - zzzzz](/blog/2020-01-24_improve-your-sleep-by-blocking-light/images/i_06_Pavlovian-response-my-body-knows-it-s-time-to-sleep-when-I-put-my-mask-on-zzzzz_500px.jpg)
![Maybe it's the font, maybe it's her haircut, but somehow I get a 80s vibe from the Mindfold's packaging :-)](/blog/2020-01-24_improve-your-sleep-by-blocking-light/images/i_01_Maybe-it-s-the-font-maybe-it-s-her-haircut-but-somehow-I-get-a-80s-vibe-from-the-Mindfold-s-packagin_500px.jpg)
![Effects of a nap during the day: around 2pm you'll notice a steady decline in heart rate](/blog/2020-01-24_improve-your-sleep-by-blocking-light/images/i_09_Effects-of-a-nap-during-the-day-around-2pm-you-ll-notice-a-steady-decline-in-heart-rate_500px.png)
![The mask is flexible, enabling a comfortable fit](/blog/2020-01-24_improve-your-sleep-by-blocking-light/images/i_04_The-mask-is-flexible-enabling-a-comfortable-fit_500px.jpg)
![Wearing a sleep mask, you can see the mask takes the shape of my head](/blog/2020-01-24_improve-your-sleep-by-blocking-light/images/i_05_Wearing-a-sleep-mask-you-can-see-the-mask-takes-the-shape-of-my-head_500px.jpg)
![The sleep mask has open spaces covering your eyes, allowing your eyes to open freely (while maintaining darkness): this is a mayor difference with many other masks that sit right on your eye lids](/blog/2020-01-24_improve-your-sleep-by-blocking-light/images/i_02_The-sleep-mask-has-open-spaces-covering-your-eyes-allowing-your-eyes-to-open-freely-while-maintainin_500px.jpg)