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Which One’s Your Best Sleep Mask for Night Shift Workers?
Seriously, shift workers are what keep this world turning. They keep us safe, rescue us from health emergencies, serve food in the wee hours, and so on. So, if you’re a shift worker, thank you for what you do! (This one’s for you.)
Good quality sleep is a must whether you’re working an evening, early morning, rotating or night shift. And because any form of light can interfere with that, the easiest and most inexpensive solution is finding the best sleep mask for night shift workers.
Here's what this article covers:
Table of Contents
Why an Eye Mask Helps Night Shift Workers
Your circadian rhythms, part of your internal body clock, help regulate your sleep-wake schedule. Once disrupted, things start to go off track. For one, you’re sleepy, tired and less alert. And even your hormones and hunger levels go haywire.
Also, when it’s dark, your brain tells your body to produce melatonin, the hormone that prepares you for sleep. In a shift worker’s case, it’s hard for the body and brain to get their acts together when the sun is high in the sky.
The best sleep mask’s main job is blocking light, which a good one does thoroughly. Internally, it allows your body to make melatonin. Externally, it helps you sleep without the light shining in your eyes.
If you’ve never worn one before, it’s pretty straightforward. But just in case, here's how to wear a sleep mask.
We analyzed feedback from our customers and used that information to determine the best sleep masks for night shift workers. And here we go!
What Is the Best Eye Mask for Night Shift Workers?
Our sleep masks are all 100% blackout (except Manta COOL and Manta STEAM masks, which come pretty close but aren’t guaranteed to block all light).
Manta SLEEP Mask
This eye mask promises 100% blackout, which is crucial for better sleep for night shift workers. It also comes with eye cups so you feel zero eye pressure.
We understand that head and face shapes are unique. This mask has an infinitely adjustable head strap and eye cups for a custom fit. They’re also swappable. Pair them with any of these to give you better sleep (and then some).
Instead of a single strip of cheap elastic, this head strap is triple-reinforced elastic encased in breathable high-quality fabric. It’s snag-free, too.
Meanwhile, the eye cups attach to the mask with a micro hook-and-loop fastener. You can move them around, so they completely cover your eyes.
Here are this sleep mask's other features that make it suitable for night shift workers:
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Good for any sleeping position
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Improves deep sleep and REM
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Lightweight
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Protects your lashes (especially if you have lash extensions)
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Comes with earplugs
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Machine washable with a wash bag/case
If you’ve never tried one of our eye masks, start with the classic Manta SLEEP Mask.
What Shift Workers Have to Say:
Nothing short of life-changing
“As a nurse who works nights especially during the summer months these masks are nothing short of life changing, they provide total blackout while also being super comfy, they don’t move once on and therefore there is no issue with light leaks, they are high quality and durable, I highly recommend, a customer for life, I would never use an alternative mask again. I misplaced my original mask I had purchased about five years ago during the holidays and was in a panic to get a new one, I ended up buying the three pack not only for the value but also so I would always have a spare going forward! They arrived to Ireland in only about two weeks, excellent service! A very happy customer!”
- Lizzy M.
Essential for Naps, Night Shift, and Migraines
“This mask makes my naps wonderful and peaceful. It's made it possible for me to rest after night shifts and on planes. It's also been an essential piece of my migraine treatment process. I really appreciate how adjustable the mask is so I can get a perfect fit.”
- Megan B.
Great quality sleep
“I’m a shift worker and this has improved the quality of my sleep no end. I have recommended this to all my co-workers. The fit is perfect as unlimited adjustment; provides complete blackout and doesn’t irritate the eyes if you do have to blink. Doesn’t move when sleeping either. Just gutted I didn’t find this sooner.”
- Oliver H.
Night shift lifesaver
“I work 12hr night shifts so getting quality sleep in the few hours I have off in the middle of the day is difficult but essential. I had been using contoured sleep masks but from the first time I used the Manta mask, I became addicted. It is so comfortable & provides COMPLETE blackout. I sleep better in the middle of the day with it than I sleep in the middle of the night without it.”
- Marie R.
A must-have!
“I work third shift so it comes in handy. Makes my entire view pitch black while also keeping the pressure off my eyes. Bonus, it's breathable! Now I never want to sleep without it, day or night!”
- Eric K.
Manta Sleep Mask PRO
The PRO has everything the Manta SLEEP Mask offers with more bells and whistles. It’s the best nightshift sleep mask for those who sleep on their sides.
Many consider Manta PRO Mask as our best light blocking sleep mask. It has C-shaped eye cups that thin out on the sides of your face. If you’re a side sleeper, extra bulk around that area causes discomfort. Oh, and did we mention that it’s shaped to sit above your ears?
Side sleepers tend to move a lot in their sleep, making them prone to sweating. The PRO is made from unique cooling fabric with perforations, giving it all-around breathability. It also has an extra-grippy head strap, so it doesn’t fall off when you shift sides.
Here’s what else the Manta SLEEP Mask PRO offers:
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It’s 100% blackout
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Eye cups have an air bubble seal
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Zero eye pressure
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Infinitely adjustable for a custom fit
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Anti-stretch Machine washable (comes with a wash bag)
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Fun design and bold colors
Once you go pro, you’ll never let go. (Sorry, but we just had to.)
Why These Shift Workers Are for the PRO:
I'm loving mine!
“I work shift work and I always get sore eyes from the pressure. But these are super soft and comfortable! And the Velcro on the back doesn't rip my hair 🥰 10/10 I would never go back to a standard mask.”
- Brittany H.
TRANSFORMED THE WAY I SLEEP
“As at night shift RN sleep is critical for me during the day. I often struggled falling and asleep and staying asleep. This mask transformed that for me. I have shared it with all my night shifters at the hospital. As MUST buy!”
- Dalton
LOOOVE This mask
“I am a side sleeper and this mask is amazing!!! It stays in place, blocks out all light and doesn't put any pressure on my eyes at all. It is a little expensive but if you need to block out the light, it's worth the price. If you are a grave shift working side sleeper, you need this mask. Definitely glad I bought it!”
- Lisa H.
Sleep mask pro
“As a shift worker, I have struggled with sleeping through the day or taking naps before I start nights. The Pro sleep mask has been great for me, as a side sleeper I find it very comfortable. It really does turn day into night.”
- Grant P.
I absolutely love my Manta Sleep Pros.
“I just wanted less light when getting home from night shifts. I didn’t realize how much better quality the rest would be without micro-breaks in REM that would have otherwise been unnoticed."
- Calvin Noël G.
Manta Sleep Mask SILK
Manta SILK is like the Manta SLEEP MASK, but it’s made from premium silk. We constructed the infinitely adjustable head strap from 22 momme silk and the eye cups from 30 momme silk.
If you haven’t heard, silk is one of the most popular fabrics for beauty and sleep accessories. And with good reason.
The silk of this particular eye mask has natural moisturizing and temperature-regulating properties. Its smooth texture also prevents sleep creases and wrinkles on your skin. Plus, the fabric is hypo-allergenic and breathable, too.
Forget flimsy sleep masks that’ll get stretched beyond recall in a month or so. This one is built to last with an elasticated head strap that secures around the head with a micro-hook and loop closure.
Check out the Manta Sleep Mask SILK’s other features:
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100% blackout
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Zero eye pressure
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Infinitely adjustable
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Eye cups are also made from silk
It's the best sleep mask for night shift workers who care about their skin and prioritize comfort.
Night Shift Workers Are Raving About the Manta SILK:
Best Sleeps
“This mask really does tick all the boxes. It’s soft, cool, and has nice deep eye pockets. My sleep quality has improved with this mask, and for a shift working nurse that means a lot!”
- Shari J.
Unique Eye Mask
“Very pleased with my eye mask, have not seen this type of eye mask in my country, bought this product because i want to be able to sleep without destroying my eyelashes. This mask surrounds your eyes without actively coming in contact with my eyelashes. If you have fake lashes this helps you sleep on very light days or like me that work many nightshifts.”
- Ann-Julie S.
Wow
“Absolutely brilliant, I work shift work, a very lite sleeper n this gives total black out, without suffocating your eyes, allows movement of my eyes during sleep, great for all face shapes, I have a very small nose, and next to no bridge with the fully adjustable head strap and eye pad placement, only regret I should of got this a long time ago.”
- Tanya G.
“Perfect for the night shift crew! Fantastic product! I love the silk feeling on my face. As a night shift nurse, I’ve worn my fair share of different face masks during the day when I’m sleeping but this cozy manta silk mask has me wearing it even on the nights I don’t work! Would recommend!”
- Megan S.
What Else Helps Night Shift Workers Get Better Sleep?
Okay, now that you know where to get the best sleeping mask for night shift workers, what next?
Here are a few tips to help you get better sleep.
#1 Have a Sleep Schedule
If you have set work hours, stick to a sleep schedule. This means going to bed and getting up at the same time daily. Do this even on your days off. We know it’s tempting to sleep in, but it’ll mess with your internal body clock.
#2 Need a Nap? Do It!
There will be nights when you can’t help but feel sleepy. If you have a break, take a quick nap. Ten to 20 minutes is fine, but don’t overdo it.
If you’re sleepy and driving home, please pull over in a safe spot and take a nap.
#3 Clock in Some Me-Time After Work
When you get home, spend quality time with YOURSELF. Indulge in relaxing activities like taking a warm bath, reading a book or calling a friend for a quick chat.
Don’t deprive yourself of moments like these because they lessen anxiety and stress, helping you get better sleep.
Get a good night’s sleep not just once but as often as possible. It’ll help you kill it at work, not to mention feel healthier and happier. Shift work warriors like you don’t just need it; you deserve it.
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.