Why I wear a sleep mask in bed
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![The soft foam conforms to your face for maximum comfort and darkness](/blog/2020-01-24_improve-your-sleep-by-blocking-light/images/i_03_The-soft-foam-conforms-to-your-face-for-maximum-comfort-and-darkness_500px.jpg)
![Average heart rate variability (HRV) during the same night shows a steady increase (and recovery)](/blog/2020-01-24_improve-your-sleep-by-blocking-light/images/i_08_Average-heart-rate-variability-HRV-during-the-same-night-shows-a-steady-increase-and-recovery_500px.png)
![Heart rate graph shows a near flat line, very close to my minimum rate (collected with Biostrap)](/blog/2020-01-24_improve-your-sleep-by-blocking-light/images/i_07_Heart-rate-graph-shows-a-near-flat-line-very-close-to-my-minimum-rate-collected-with-Biostrap_500px.png)
![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)
![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)
![The Mindfold sleep mask: total darkness with your eyes open](/blog/2020-01-24_improve-your-sleep-by-blocking-light/images/i_00_The-Mindfold-sleep-mask-total-darkness-with-your-eyes-open_500px.jpg)