How the Best Products for Night Shift Workers Help You Sleep Better

Working the night shift? Read this to discover the best products for night shift workers that help you get the rest you need to unlock your full potential.

You’re likely reading this because as a night shift worker, you’re in dire need of getting the restful sleep you deserve. Sleep deprivation can take its toll on your performance and health.

Fortunately, there are ways around this. And one of them is using the best products for night shift workers on the market. These are designed to help you drift off faster and stay asleep longer.

In this blog post, we’ll list the best products for night shift workers. And how they can help improve your sleep quality. Plus, helpful tips and tricks to ensure better shut-eye (even when the sun is high in the sky).

Here’s what you’ll find in this article:

• Sleep Mask

• Blue Light Blocking Glasses

• Earplugs

• White Noise Machine

• Conclusion

Let’s get started.

At its most basic, a sleep mask is a piece of cloth worn over the eyes. It’s secured around the head with an elastic strap. And its main function is to block out light for uninterrupted sleep.

It isn’t just about preventing discomfort from its glare, either. When we see light, it sends signals to our body to be awake and alert. The complete opposite happens with darkness.

That’s why a sleep mask is one of the best products for night shift workers out there. They, much of the time, need to catch zzzs while the rest of the world is awake.

Depending on how well-made a sleep mask is, it can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It blocks out unwanted light, including blue light that comes from electronics.

There are tons of sleep masks on the market, ranging from basic designs to ones with more advanced features. It can be tough to choose, so keep reading to know exactly what to look for in the best sleep mask for night shift workers.

Nowadays, contoured masks are a popular option. Even more so are those with detachable eye cups for zero pressure in the eye area. They fit snugly yet comfortably over your eyes.

High-quality silk sleep masks are also in demand. This fabric reduces sleep wrinkles. Plus it’s naturally hypo-allergenic and moisturizing. These eye masks also feel luxurious against your skin because of the fabric’s smooth texture.

Another type of eye mask that’s gained popularity is the weighted sleep mask. It contains weights, which gently massage pressure points on your face. But it’s more suited to restorative naps because it's heavier than the typical sleep mask.

When you're shopping for a sleep mask, there are a few things to consider.

The first is comfort and fit. Look for a sleep mask that has a durable and adjustable head strap — one that uses a micro hook and loop closure for easy removal by hand. A well-fitting sleep mask will likely stay on the whole night without causing discomfort.

It's important to make sure your sleep mask fits properly. If it’s too tight it may cause headaches and leave marks on your skin.

Ideally, the top sleep mask delivers 100% blackout. Look for a contoured sleep mask or one with adjustable eye cups for a custom fit. The cups help seal out all light without putting pressure on your peepers.

Breathability is also important. Choose an eye mask made from soft and breathable materials. It will allow for maximum airflow, preventing you from overheating as you sleep.

Remember to keep it clean by washing it regularly. That said make sure your sleep mask is washable. Plus points if it's machine washable, for easy cleaning anytime.

We have a wide range of sleep masks available, many of which offer 100% blackout as well as additional features.

💡 Key Takeaway: A sleep mask is one of the best products for night shift workers. It’ll help you get the restful sleep you need by blocking out light. When choosing one, consider factors like comfort, fit, light-blocking capability and breathability.

Yet another of the best products for night shift workers are blue light blocking glasses. We’ll get to why later on in this article, so keep reading.

But first, why does blocking out blue light matter when it comes to sleep?

Higher wavelengths of blue light, found in sunlight and gadgets, are most effective at signaling your brain to wake up. They also repress the production of melatonin, known as the sleep hormone.

(That’s why darkness is so important to quality zzzs.)

These specs are designed to minimize exposure to blue light. Some are clip-on lenses, others come with frames and lenses.

They’re either tinted or have coatings formulated to act as a barrier between blue light and your eyes. Some even have UV protection and anti-glare features.

As a note, this article focuses on tinted blue light blocking glasses for night shift workers like you. The tinted kind usually has yellow or amber lenses (not clear lenses, which are for use during the day, to avoid eye strain). According to ScienceAlert, amber-tinted glasses are very effective in blocking blue light, a big element in sunlight⁽¹⁾.

They’re also classified according to the number of blue light wavelengths they can block. The Sleep Doctor says that blue light blocking glasses should be capable of filtering wavelengths of 446 to 477 nanometers⁽²⁾.

Unlike the rest of the world, night shift workers sleep when the sun is still out. They have to contend with light exposure once they’re done with their shift.

If you’re a regular night shift worker, you’ll benefit from wearing these glasses from the time you get off work to when you’re ready for bed. Doing this helps minimize disruptions to your sleep-wake cycle.

Ideally, like daytime workers, you want to be getting ready for bed in a dark environment. But the reality for you is that morning light exposure is unavoidable after your shift. You’re exposed to it during the commute or as you’re winding down at home. It is daytime after all.

According to CDC, blue light blocking glasses minimize the amount of blue light seen by your retina⁽³⁾. Wearing a pair between the time you leave work to before you hit the hay, may mean drifting off faster and staying asleep longer.

We recommend wearing your blue light blocking glasses as soon as your shift is over. Keep them on until you get into bed, when you transition to a 100% light blocking sleep mask.

Take note that wearing them while you’re still at work isn’t a good idea. You want to expose yourself to blue light, instead. Otherwise, you may feel sleepy and unproductive.

The Other Shift says it's important to get some exposure to blue light while working the night shift. It helps your internal clock know what time of day it is⁽⁴⁾. And in this case, the world’s typical evening is your daytime, workwise.

Considering a pair? Here’s how to choose the top blue light blocking glasses.

First, consider how much blue light they’re capable of blocking. Tinted blue light blocking glasses tend to absorb the bluest light. This makes them a good option for use after your shift.

Another consideration is if you wear prescription glasses. Try asking your optician to fit yours out with a blue light filter.

Third, pick a well-fitting pair. We recommend looking for something adjustable and comfortable.

Fourth, be on the lookout for ones that have UV protection and anti-glare coating. These protect your eyes from harmful rays. They may also reduce screen reflections.

Blue light blocking glasses are great for night shift workers who need to get better sleep. These glasses reduce their blue light exposure after their shift, allowing them to wind down.

Why not consider our stylish Manta Blue Light Blocking Glasses? Here’s a quick rundown of its features:

💡 Key Takeaway: Blue light blocking glasses help night shift workers fall and stay asleep during the day. Amber-tinted ones are especially effective in blocking out blue light, promoting the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Wear a pair after your shift up until you’re ready to go to bed.

Working night shifts? We understand that most of the time, you have to deal with daytime sounds from your environment. There are a couple of options to choose from that give varying levels of sound blocking.

By the way, light sleepers, travelers, or those with insomnia also benefit from earplugs.

They’re not part of this list of the best products for night shift workers for nothing. They act as a barrier between your ears and external noises for better sleep quality. You can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer with fewer distractions.

They also help reduce stress levels associated with loud noises like snoring from your bed buddy or car horns blaring outside your window. Also, they help protect your hearing from loud music or machinery at work while you’re awake.

Some earplugs are made from moldable foam. When inserted correctly, these molds themselves into the shape of your ear canals.

Another type is made from wax material. Known as wax earplugs, they need to be rolled and molded before you insert them in your ears. They’re capable of sealing out both sound and water.

Finally, there are earplugs made from silicone. These come in various shapes and sizes to fit snugly inside the ear canal. There are custom-molded plugs created using impressions from your ears for a perfect fit every time. They tend to be more expensive but offer superior sound protection due to the exact size match.

It’s important to choose the best earplugs based on how much noise you need to block out.

You also need to consider allergies. Always check what they’re made of before making your purchase. Also, if you develop an allergic reaction, stop using them immediately.

Also, consider factors such as comfort when wearing them over long periods. Look out for texture and weight since these are factors that could potentially cause discomfort.

When inserting foam plugs, make sure they expand fully inside your ears. This ensures optimal sound blocking. Earplugs should sit comfortably in the ear canal and not go deep inside. It’s also essential to clean earplugs after every use. Replace them once you notice wear and tear.

Earplugs are an effective tool to help block out unwanted noise and ensure a silent night's sleep. However, if you're not comfortable wearing earplugs, consider a white noise machine.

Earplugs are an effective tool to help block out unwanted noise and ensure a silent night's sleep. However, if you're not comfortable wearing earplugs, consider a white noise machine.

In case you’re interested, Manta Earplugs come in a set of 10. Check out their other features:

💡 Key Takeaway: Earplugs are an essential tool for night shift workers to block out noise and improve sleep quality. Different types of earplugs, such as foam, wax, silicone or custom-molded plugs, offer different levels of protection from external noises. Choose one based on your sound reduction needs and comfort level when wearing them over long periods.

Before we dive into the machine that makes it, first let’s discuss what white noise is.

White noise is a type of noise that has all the frequencies of the entire spectrum of sound at the same intensity. Examples of white noise include a whirring electric fan, a running vacuum and TV static.

According to Sleep Foundation, studies have shown that white noise helps you fall asleep faster as well as helps people in noisy urban areas sleep better⁽⁵⁾.

White noise machines create soothing sounds that can block out distracting noises. This can help you relax and drift off into a more peaceful slumber. They come in many different shapes and sizes, as well as bonus features.

Here's why a white noise machine is among the best sleep products for night shift workers.

First, a white noise machine helps you get a good night's rest. It cancels out disruptive noise from your environment — which is great because sleeping during the day often means more background noise.

If you have had a tough night at work, it can also help bring down your stress levels. Just listen to its soothing soundscapes for pure relaxation before hitting the sack.

Plus, many of these white noise machines come with extra features. Think timers and adjustable volume for a customized sound experience.

There's a big selection of white noise machines out there. You could go for something simple like a tabletop model with basic sound options. Or you could get something more advanced with more settings and features like Bluetooth or voice activation.

A standard white noise machine is the tabletop variety. It usually comes with nature soundtracks like ocean waves or rainforest sounds. These are typically portable, which makes them travel-friendly, too.

You can pair more advanced models with your devices through Bluetooth technology. This allows you to listen to your playlists or preferred sleep music app. Some of these come with ambient lighting effects with settings for intensity and colors.

When selecting a white noise machine, consider where you’re using it and how much control you want over the sound. Want something portable? Then go for a smaller device with an additional power source, like USB or battery.

It’s true that larger, stationary units may have better sound quality at lower volumes due to their bigger speakers. But they don't offer the same portability unless they have wireless technology.

It’s also important to consider your budget. Check for special features like adjustable volume and timer functions. Extras like headphones and carrying cases count, too. In short, make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.

💡 Key Takeaway: A white noise machine is one of the best products for night shift workers. It helps improve sleep quality and reduce stress. Choose from basic tabletop models to advanced ones with more bells and whistles. Remember to choose one based on where you’re going to use it and how much control you want over the sound.

It’s true that night shift workers need to put in a little more effort to get good quality sleep. But the best sleep products for night shift workers can make it a lot easier. The perfect combination is an excellent sleep mask paired with blue light blocking glasses, earplugs, and a white noise machine.

There’s more where that came from, too. Read our article on the best sleep products to help you get deep and restful shut-eye. Remember that good quality sleep is key to better work performance and your overall well-being.

Finally, if you’re looking for more information on sleep products, check out these blog posts on car sleeping accessories and semi-truck sleeper accessories.

Sources:

(1) “Study Shows Amber-Tinted Glasses Can Reduce Manic Symptoms in Just 3 Days.” ScienceAlert, www.sciencealert.com/study-shows-amber-tinted-glasses-can-reduce-manic-symptoms-in-just-3-days. Accessed 03 March 2023.

(2) “Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses.” The Sleep Doctor, thesleepdoctor.com/best-blue-light-blocking-glasses/. Accessed 20 February 2023.

(3) “NIOSH Training for Nurses on Shift Work and Long Work Hours.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/niosh/work-hour-training-for-nurses/longhours/mod6/07.html. Accessed 23 February 2023.

(4) “Do Night Shift Workers Need Blue Light Blocking Glasses?” The Other Shift, www.cdc.gov/niosh/work-hour-training-for-nurses/longhours/mod6/07.html. Accessed 03 March 2023.

(5) “White Noise.” Sleep Foundation, www.sleepfoundation.org/noise-and-sleep/white-noise Accessed 20 February 2023.

Disclaimer:  The information contained in this website or provided through our blog, e-mails, or programs is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment that can be provided by your healthcare professionals.