Who might need a sleep mask and why?

A person needs quality sleep to maintain health, restore strength, and relieve physical, emotional and psychological stress. Doctors recommend sleeping in absolute darkness, but this condition is not always possible. In such cases, sleep masks will come in handy. We’ll tell you in the article how they “work” and who needs them.

A night mask is a simple fabric accessory, similar to glasses, that you put on your eyes before going to bed. Good quality bandages are made from soft, hypoallergenic materials with a minimum number of seams to ensure comfort for the wearer. The masks are lightproof and allow you to fall asleep at night, even if it is a clear day outside.

Why and who needs a sleep mask

In order to understand the purpose of the bandage, you need to understand what happens in the brain at night and during the day, and why a person needs a sleep mask. The human body has a natural mechanism for regulating circadian rhythms. It is based on the interaction of hormones produced by the pineal gland and pineal gland. The secretory list produced by these bodies consists of several items. The hormones produced are called adrenoglomerulotropin, serotonin, melatonin.

The functional purpose of these substances is different. The first two influence feelings, contribute to an explosion of emotions, and melatonin is responsible for the rhythm of the human state during the day. This hormone was studied by A.B Larner, the scientist described the mechanism of its influence and the pattern of secretion production by the pineal gland. The peculiarities of the effect on the body are such that the level of wakefulness depends on the concentration of melatonin in the blood and in the pineal gland. This hormone signals the body that night has come and you need to fall asleep.

For clarity, the melatonin production pattern can be displayed in a table.

Melatonin production table

But in the life of a modern person, sleep and wakefulness do not correspond to the biological clock. Many people have to work at night and sleep only in the morning or during the day. This has a negative impact on health. In order for the body to create the illusion of night and get a good night's sleep, you need to use a blindfold for proper sleep. In this case, melatonin will be synthesized, the daytime rhythm will be replaced by a nighttime one. The peak time for melatonin concentration is considered to be 2 am. The length of daylight varies in different seasons, and different amounts of the hormone are produced. In the summer and spring months it is produced less, in the autumn and winter - more. This table shows how it should be with a natural circadian rhythm.

The cause of many diseases and stress is lack of sleep.

Eyecups, sleep glasses, masks are necessary under different circumstances:

People working at night.
To extend sleep time in spring and summer when the sun rises too early.
For daytime naps during quiet times.
On a trip, on a business trip, on an airplane, to relax in complete darkness when others are awake.
When sunbathing and other procedures when you need to protect your eyes from artificial light.
Elderly people who have insomnia at night and have to get enough sleep during daylight hours.

Why you need to sleep in complete darkness

A sleeping mask with jade and tourmaline is used in different ways: you can do short-term procedures lasting 15-20 minutes, or you can leave the mask on all night. This is especially true for a mask without heating: within several hours, tourmaline accumulates thermal energy and releases it in the form of infrared radiation into the fabric. You won't feel it during the night, but you will wake up feeling rested.

Puffiness in the area around the eyes can be corrected or temporarily removed with the help of cosmetics, and the constant use of a sleep mask with jade and tourmaline makes it possible to forget about dark circles and swelling. Thanks to the local acceleration of microcirculation, tissues receive enough nutrients and normalize their metabolism.

The retina of the eye is able to discern light even through the eyelids. This is due to the fact that they are designed to protect against light rays. Due to this, melatonin is not produced in the required amount. Even weak lighting disrupts the process of its synthesis.

If the concentration of the hormone in the blood is insufficient, the natural cycle is disrupted and the body’s protective functions are suppressed. As a result, all kinds of diseases begin to develop and the risk of the onset of a malignant process increases.

You must sleep in complete darkness. It is for this purpose that a night bandage is used.

Types of masks

A sleep mask is designed to block light from reaching your eyes. When choosing a product, you need to check the light resistance of the material and the convenience of the model. It is desirable that the fabric be breathable, that is, allow air to pass through, this will eliminate the unpleasant feeling of moisture in the area around the eye during use.

The following types of devices are in demand:

fabric blindfolds for sleeping, having straps to secure them on the back of the head;
devices that fit tightly on the face with elastic straps;
masks with bulges that allow you to open your eyes without removing the blindfold;
with fasteners or Velcro that regulate the length of the strap;
with additional effects, for example, cooling, flavored.

All of the listed varieties are simple in design and can be made with your own hands. When purchasing a product, focus on the criteria of comfort and environmental friendliness. There are several tips to help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of products.

The knotted straps loosen, the mask slips and the person wakes up from the light.
Elastic fastenings with a tight fit are uncomfortable because they press and promote sweat.
Devices whose straps can be adjusted are products with a plus sign. They fit different head sizes and can be worn over a headdress.
Masks with an additional cooling function are pleasant to use on hot days.

The best choice for use at home is a gel sleep mask.
It can be made warm or cold. Products must be made from environmentally friendly, soft and lightweight materials. An excellent option is foam rubber, satin, cotton. From the first, models with convexities are created; satin ones are considered breathable. Cotton night goggles have internal padding, such as synthetic padding, to support their shape.

If you need a hypoallergenic bandage, then choose satin, silk and cotton. These products have only positive reviews, they are pleasant to the skin and do not cause discomfort. Natural fabrics do not cause allergic reactions; rashes and irritation will not appear on the face.

Among branded products, night glasses made from handmade natural fabrics are in demand. These are foreign and domestic models, made according to designer patterns, having a variety of colors. The product offer is wide, everyone can choose according to their taste.

Pattern

Here I am giving you some sleep mask patterns. Here they are:

What we need:

Fabric for the mask - about 25 -30 cm wide and 50-60 cm long - this is for the outer and inner layers of the mask, do not forget that it should be a natural material - breathable and preferably hypoallergenic, since it comes into contact with the skin of the face
Fabric for mask filler - it’s better if it’s natural too
Non-woven fabric - 25 cm by 20 cm in size, so that the mask is more rigid and holds its shape
Elastic band - about 30 cm - 2 cm wide (then adjust as much as needed for you)
Scissors
Sewing machine

Let's get started:

Using the pattern, we cut out two pieces for the outer and inner layers of the mask and two filler pieces - you can take cotton knitwear, for example

Then you need to cut a rectangle out of fabric - preferably thin - this will be our “case for an elastic band” and so that it is not very thick, you need to take a thin fabric, maybe chiffon, dimensions in the photo:

For children's

A children's sleep mask is sewn in the same way as an adult one, the only difference is in size

Look - these are the patterns for children's masks:

If you use your imagination, you can decorate a children's mask like this, and your child will love it like his favorite toy, and the styling process will only bring you pleasure

Products with cosmetic effect

These include dual-use products. The devices act as a light blocker and promote healthy skin through exposure to heat or cold. The most famous cosmetic sleep mask is the gel one. They can be completely filled with gel or with filler in the form of balls. The mask is applied to the face to achieve relaxation, refreshment, cooling, and prevent the appearance of wrinkles.

The device has a recess for the nose, so it fits comfortably on the face. The massage granules contained in it provide the skin with a cosmetic effect aimed at anti-aging. Gel masks are reusable, they can be made warm for relaxation and cooling for vigor and tone.

The dressing is made warm after placing it in heated water, cold - in the freezer. Gel glasses for sleeping should have a comfortable temperature. That is, don't freeze them too cold and don't reheat them too much.

When using the accessory, you must follow the following rules:

remove makeup and apply the device to a cleansed face;
cool or heat the mask;
apply to the face, tightly, pressing;
should be kept for about 10 minutes.

The cosmetic effect of the procedure is enhanced if you alternate between cold and warm sessions. The result is a variable compress that promotes rejuvenation.

The most advanced option are the so-called smart sleep masks

What is it for?

A properly selected mask ensures good sleep, because proper rest is extremely important for health. It is at night that the bulk of vital processes take place.

Skin cells are restored and renewed;
Collagen is produced, which is necessary for healthy joints and spine;
Hormones are synthesized;
Processing information received during the day and converting it into long-term memory;
Enhanced removal of harmful substances;
Improving brain, nervous and immune system function.

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All these processes take place at night, and pitch darkness is a prerequisite for their implementation. Since melatonin is produced only in such circumstances, the slightest penetration of light onto the pupil leads to the destruction of the element.

Smart headbands

These are smart sleep glasses designed to target the brain to help you get a good night's sleep. The principle of operation is a sensory effect on the receptors of the central nervous system in order to eliminate sleep disorders. This is a development approved by the World Health Organization as a useful medical accessory.

The sleep headband is made of fabric, the textile is soft, it fits comfortably around the head. There are sensors in the frontal region that analyze brain activity. The gadget analyzes the state of the brain, sleep phase, responds to muscle relaxation, and records pulse and breathing.

Sensing the moment of exit from the slow-wave sleep phase, the device begins transmitting sound signals that stimulate the onset of deep sleep. The data is sent to a mobile application, which provides recommendations for qualitative changes in recreational conditions.

Experts' opinions and people's reviews

Complimentary comments about sleep blindfolds from experts and users confirm the usefulness of the devices.

This is what neurologist Valery Vasilievich Galygin from Krasnodar writes.

Insomnia in people can knock them out of their normal rhythm and provoke nervous diseases. And it often happens for a simple reason - due to lack of sleep. I recommend using sleep glasses. Simple hand-sewn devices that block light provide comfortable rest. Purchased Smart headbands relax and put a person into deep sleep; with them, people forget about insomnia. Patients get rid of the problem without the help of drugs that have side effects. This is a plus of sleep masks.

Users note that sleeping with sleep glasses is much more comfortable, especially if you have to rest during the day.

Olga, 44 years old, Kandalaksha

We live above the Arctic Circle, our day lasts for months. I can’t sleep in the light, so sleep glasses have become a lifesaver for me. I bought a mask made of elastic fabric, it is light, not noticeable on my face, does not allow light to pass through and allows me to get a good night's sleep. I recommend purchasing night glasses for anyone who finds daylight disturbing their sleep. They really help you get a good rest.

Victoria - cosmeologist at Viva-medical studio, Rostov-on-Don

Dear women, I recommend that you use a gel cosmetic mask for home massage and compress. An excellent option for toning and eliminating small expression wrinkles. If the procedures are performed regularly, then you will not need to visit the salon. A cosmetic gel mask acts as a contrast compress. To do this, it needs to be heated and cooled alternately. It’s easy to use the device - apply it to your face, it sticks, hold it for 10-12 minutes and remove it. Three sessions per week are enough to see rejuvenation results in a month.

There are also negative reviews about the pads, but they are based on ignorance of the rules of use.

Lyudmila, 65 years old, Stavropol

In order to smooth out wrinkles around the eyes, I was advised to use a gel mask. I applied it twice a week for a whole month, but I didn’t see any effect. But I got sinusitis. Now the doctor tells me that it was impossible to cool it to low temperatures, it was necessary to make it cool. I advise everyone who believes in the miraculous power of gel glasses to first study the rules for their use so as not to harm their health. And the device does not help against deep wrinkles.

With my own hands...

However, it is not at all necessary to purchase a bandage for money. You can easily make it yourself. You will need some kind of soft fabric (about thirty by fifteen centimeters) for the inside - cotton, chintz or flannel. For exterior decoration, you need to take the same piece of decorative material. In addition, you will need non-woven fabric, trim (for example, lace, beads or ribbons), and a thirty-centimeter elastic band.

This attribute is done step by step. First of all, a pattern is drawn. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the size and structure of your head. In order not to make a mistake, you will need to measure the distance across the forehead from temple to temple. This will be the width of the accessory. Just remember to add about a centimeter for allowances.

Parts of the required size are cut out clearly according to the made pattern. This applies to prepared fabric and non-woven fabric, thanks to which the item will retain its shape. It will be glued to the top of the future model.

All components will be carefully sewn together, taking into account the space left for the elastic. Do not forget about the distance intended for allowances. Once all the pieces are connected, simply trim off the excess around the edges, leaving about half an inch on each side. Press the seams, sew the elastic to the side - and that's it! The mask is ready! The decorations are sewn on by hand at the very end.

Prices for masks

A high-quality branded sleep mask is not cheap. Price categories for budget products range from 250 to 500 rubles. Basically, these are colored and dark plain eye pads with ties or elastic.

Medium-priced devices are equipped with straps that can be adjusted. Among them there are varieties with extruded niches at eye level and other functional properties, for example, scented. Accessories in this range cost from 500 rubles.

Smart eye masks for sleep belong to a high price category. For them you will have to pay from 1500 rubles.

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