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Does a Silk Eye Mask Really Help Sleep?
Face masks are all anyone’s been talking about for the past three years.
Let’s give it a rest for just a minute — and instead, shower the sleep mask with the recognition it deserves. Why? For one, it sucks to sleep with a face mask. Second, a face mask can only dream of being made from luxurious silk. So, does a silk eye mask really help sleep? The short answer is yes.
But not as directly as we’d like to think. It’s not like a sleeping pill but more a sleep aid. A sleep eye mask’s basic function is to block out fake light, the arch-nemesis of healthy sleep patterns. Whether it’s the streetlamp outside your window or (we hate to break it to you) the shining white night light that keeps the monster under the bed at bay. Artificial light — especially blue light from your electronic devices — inhibits your body’s ability to produce the melatonin it needs to get adequate sleep.
Besides blocking out light, what a premium silk sleep mask does is provide comfort. And more importantly, relief from external factors that deprive you of a good night’s rest.
This post breaks down some of those factors and explains how a silk sleep mask helps. Let’s get cracking.
Hot Room, Horrible Sleep
If it’s summer or you live in a country with a tropical climate, you’ve probably woken up feeling tired and gross. You likely woke up repeatedly during the night. The Sleep Foundation explains that “External temperatures can interfere with the natural thermoregulation that occurs during sleep.” They also say that the ideal room temperature for quality shut-eye is between 66 to 70°F.
So, what’s silk got to do with it?
Silk has a superpower, a natural property that regulates temperature. Apart from the fact that it makes you feel and look swanky, it’s one reason silk bedding and sleepwear are so popular. And the last thing you need is an extra layer of fabric on your face if you’re in a hot room. A silk eye mask eases the discomfort.
It’s not all about the weather outside or indoors, either. If you’re down with the flu or experiencing hot flashes, a silk sleep mask could have a calming effect and help you get much-needed rest.
So, does a silk eye mask really help sleep? In this case especially, it does.
Moisture-wicking
Did we mention silk is moisture-wicking fabric? No, this doesn’t mean it will absorb buckets of nightmare-induced sweat. What it does mean is that the sweat transferred from your face to the silk eye mask evaporates quicker.
Sweat and sleep can’t hang out for too long, y’know.
Interestingly, the thermal regulation and moisture-wicking properties of silk also apply to an eye patch. It’s worn to treat lazy eye (or amblyopia). Patches are worn when awake, which means more movement and exposure to high temperatures. Silk’s supple texture makes it more comfortable, especially when you have to wear the patch under glasses. So, would we choose a silk eye patch? Aye, cap’n.
The Terrible Three: Itchy, Scratchy and Sneezy
Picture this. You’re about to fall asleep and are rudely awakened by the loud noise of… your own sneezing. Or you wake up from a nightmare where you’re itching. Surprise, surprise. You’ve been sleep scratching!
If you suffer from asthma, allergies, or skin conditions, then you’ve struggled with getting peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.
Un-naughty by Nature
In case you didn’t know it, many allergies are set off by microscopic harbingers of doom: dust mites. These sneaky creepy crawlies lurk in the deepest, darkest corners of your home and invade your bed and clothes, too. Silk fibers are long and strong; interwoven tightly to keep tiny things out.
The beauty of silk is it’s supposedly hypo-allergenic — and not through any chemical means. It contains the protein sericin, which makes it naturally resistant to fungus, molds, and dust mites. The protein is derived from the cocoon of the silkworm (a.k.a. Bombyx mori in science speak or “another crawly”). Oh the irony.
Now just because this is the case, it doesn’t mean there’s no need to clean your mask, especially if you have allergies. Read our guide on how to wash silk sleep masks for tips.
If you’re still asking the question: “Does a silk eye mask really help sleep?” then keep on reading.
Smooth as Silk. Literally.
For those who have skin conditions like eczema or rosacea, switching to a silk sleep mask is a smart decision. It’s less likely to trigger or aggravate a flare-up because of its super smooth texture. In fact, The National Eczema Society identifies silk as an “eczema-friendly” fabric.
Those who have eczema know that those dreaded flaky patches sometimes appear on the eyebrows, around the eyes, and ears. These usually come in contact with a sleep mask. And rough fabric rubbing or scratching against these areas only makes things 10 times worse.
Meanwhile, those who have rosacea understand that heat is the enemy. Again, the thermal regulation property of silk comes into play.
So, does a silk eye mask really help sleep for the allergy prone? Yes. It blocks out artificial light while acting as a barrier to the unspeakable.
Beauty Benefit?
Aging gracefully means caring for your skin and body, and getting enough sleep is essential. In fact, a study published in Oxford Academic shows that lack of sleep affects your face, including: dark undereye circles; red, swollen eyes; wrinkles and fine lines, to name a few.
We answer two frequently asked questions that revolve around silk sleep masks and skincare.
Do silk eye masks help with wrinkles?
While you sleep, little elves that live deep within your pores are hard at work producing collagen. It’s the stuff that keeps your face and body from wrinkling and sagging. While the elves are fictitious, the collagen is fact.
They’re no miracle youth serum. But since silk sleep masks help you sleep better, your body produces the collagen it needs to keep your skin elastic. Think of it as a preventive measure. Now you can worry less and get way more than forty winks.
Do silk eye masks cause sleep lines?
If you’re a side sleeper, waking up with lines on your face is common. The same goes for those who fall asleep on their stomachs. If you’re compromising your natural sleeping position to avoid these, then a silk mask will help you sleep better.
As you age, it takes longer for these creases to disappear. The smooth texture of silk reduces the appearance of sleep lines. Also, using silk for sleeping ensures your skin is stretched and pulled less by a mask’s fitted fabric.
We hope this answers your question: “Does a silk eye mask really help sleep?” Yes, yes, and yes. If you still aren't sold, find out more about silk eye mask benefits.
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.