Statistics show that more than 64 Americans don’t get a good night’s sleep. Are you one of them? It may be that your sleep difficulties only occur when you’re trying to rest on an airplane or in a hotel room. Whatever your situation, you may discover that a eye mask is the answer to your problem. Sleep masks, also known as eye masks, help the wearer to feel that they’re in darkness, whether they really are or not. And it takes darkness for the brain to generate the chemical melatonin, which naturally causes sleepiness.

When darkness falls, a person’s natural sleep cycle kicks in. When light levels begin to dim, certain receptors in your eyes send the message to your brain that it’s time to go to sleep. In turn, your brain begins to convert serotonin, the chemical that keeps you awake, into the chemical melatonin, the brain chemical that naturally lets the body relax and fall asleep.

If you are unable to reach the deep level of sleep where you experience Rapid Eye Movement, or REM, you will not be able to perform your best. Regular sleep helps you to be more relaxed, boosts your immune system and keeps you clear headed and productive during the day.

The UC San Diego Medical Center issued a News Release on July 29, 2002 that stated that lack of sleep affects the patterns of chemical and electrical activity that occur during sleep which, in turn can result in the brain’s being unable to function properly.

If you don’t have trouble sleeping you already know the refreshed feeling that a good night’s sleep can give you, leaving you energetic and ready to take on the day with enthusiasm. Some people wear eye masks for other purposes, such as for meditation or as a means to help them practice visualization techniques, which require a calm, dark environment.

The main quality of a good eye mask or sleep mask is simply comfort – if you don’t feel right wearing it, look for another style. You may find a mask that does indeed block out all the light but is nevertheless uncomfortable, which means that you won’t be able to relax and benefit from the increase of melatonin and subsequent deep sleep.

Sleep masks – which are sometimes called eye masks – can be purchased in retail stores or can be ordered on the Internet. One of the most popular products on the market is the Snoozers Sleep Mask. Before you spend a lot of money on a new sleep mask, make sure you do some research and compare products until you find the one that is right for you.

Now, Miron has written other articles on sleeping eye masks. Be sure to check out either sleep eye masks or lavender eye pillow!

Tags: beauty, eye, home and family, Sleep