Best Sleep Mask for Migraines for Migraine Headache Pain Relief

Discover the best sleep mask for migraines and why. Plus, testimonials from Manta Sleep customers. Read this article to learn more.

You’re here because you know only too well how excruciating a migraine can get. Many chronic and episodic sufferers find relief through sleep, using sleep masks as part of their treatment. And one important question is: what’s the best sleep mask for migraines?

In this article, Manta Sleep customers weigh in on which ones work. But before we get to that, we want to give you a better understanding of migraines and their connection to sleep.

Here's what this article covers:

It’s common to mistake a migraine for a really bad headache. But it’s more than that. It’s a primary headache disorder that currently has no cure.

While this may sound scary, know that there are over 39 million people in the U.S. who suffer from migraines, and some aren’t even aware they do.⁽¹⁾ There are ways to manage and even nip the pain in the bud.

Seeing your doctor should be a non-negotiable if your headaches are severe or frequent. Knowing it’s a migraine and how to treat it can make a world of difference.

To keep it simple, here are the symptoms that set a migraine apart from other headaches:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Throbbing, pulsating head pain

• Heightened sensitivity to lights, smells and sounds

• Dizziness

• Feeling extremely tired and weak

• Pain is on one side of the head (can be the forehead or back of the head)

• The pain lasts from 4 hours to 3 days when untreated.

For instance, a sinus headache differs from a migraine because the pain is on both sides of the face. Plus, your nose is stuffed. (Gross alert: phlegm from a migraine runs clear while mucus associated with a sinus headache is yellow.)

Many attest to the power of restful sleep to relieve migraine attacks. So, it’s important to understand how sleep relates to this disorder in the first place.

Not getting enough sleep impacts how your brain functions, including focus, memory, mood and cognition. So, it's no surprise that sleep deprivation is linked to headache disorders in general, especially migraines.

And it isn’t just the lack of sleep. Too much of it can also act as a migraine trigger. Did you know there’s such a thing as a “weekend migraine?” It’s when you wake up to one after lying in to compensate for sleep lost during weekdays.⁽²⁾

People who suffer from migraines are more likely to experience sleep deprivation. The reverse is also true, where sleep deprivation increases the likelihood of getting migraines.

Another thing to consider is sleep deprivation decreases your tolerance to pain. This can make your migraine symptoms feel even more severe.

Bottom line: Migraine or not, don’t deprive yourself of much-needed sleep.

The main function of an eye mask is to block out light. As mentioned earlier, light sensitivity increases during migraine attacks, where even the tiniest pinprick can cause even more discomfort and pain.

And because restful sleep gives relief while the attack is happening, wearing the best sleep mask is essential.

Some types have additional features that help relieve symptoms. When it comes to the best sleep mask for migraines, these are what to look out for.

Again, blocking out light is essential for migraine relief. This means that your eye mask should be designed with this top of mind, and the good news is every mask listed here guarantees that.

Also, the sleep mask options here are based on the feedback from our customers who suffer from migraines. We figured they would know best.

Many migraine sufferers find relief through temperature therapy. But whether cold or hot is another story because not everyone responds to one type of treatment.

Cold therapy is preferred by most people who experience migraines. A cool pack or shower is usually part of their treatment.

Heat therapy is best for sinus, tension, and other types of headaches. But if hot works better than cold for you, try a Manta STEAM Mask.

Tip: Another option is to buy the COOL eye cups separately and use them with any Manta Sleep mask.

Some find migraine relief in pressing specific points in their bodies, called acupressure. These points are in the face, neck, hands, and feet.

Pressure points on the face include the area in the middle of your forehead right above your eyebrows. Another would be the two indentations where the nose meets the eyebrows.⁽³⁾ This is where a weighted sleep mask comes in handy.

Disclaimer: Before you try acupressure, clear it with your doctor first. Migraine treatment varies. What works for others might not work for you. So, you must get professional advice before trying something new.

Got a migraine? One thing’s for sure: don’t sleep on your tummy. This sleeping position is hard on the neck and head. Also, you need good support in that area because attacks often come with neck pain.

With that in mind, the best sleeping position is on your back with your arms at the side. Sleeping on your side is also recommended. And because 60% of adults prefer to side-sleep⁽⁴⁾, get our best sleep mask for side sleepers.