Total darkness with your eyes open: sleep mask

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?

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Heart rate graph shows a near flat line, very close to my minimum rate (collected with Biostrap)

The Mindfold sleep mask: total darkness with your eyes open

Maybe it's the font, maybe it's her haircut, but somehow I get a 80s vibe from the Mindfold's packaging :-)

Average heart rate variability (HRV) during the same night shows a steady increase (and recovery)

Effects of a nap during the day: around 2pm you'll notice a steady decline in heart rate

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

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Data Experiment Lifestyle Heart Review Sensors

Articles (153)

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