A sleep blindfold is a small and practical device made of fabric, which, by placing it on the eyes, helps to sleep comfortably, treat headaches, insomnia disorders and many other problems during travel.
The initial version of this article was published on 8/9/1403 and was updated on 8/9/1403.
One of the problems that travelers face, especially during long-term trips by train, plane, and bus, is not having a good night’s sleep. In such cases, using a “sleep blindfold” can be effective and help the sleep experience to be more comfortable. Of course, the use of blindfolds is not only used in long trips; Because this device can be used even at home and has many advantages and uses. In the following, we are going to talk more about this cheap and practical product.
What you read about sleep blindfolds:
What is a sleep blindfold?
Eye patch or “sleeping mask” is a small fabric device that has become common among people who travel a lot, especially those who spend a long time on trains and airplanes. Of course, the use of this device is not limited to traveling; But it’s okay to put it on your “travel gear” list.
When you put this small fabric device on your eyes, you actually experience a more comfortable sleep by deceiving the brain and simulating the night. This device is very effective for use during resting times during the day and in situations where light and lighting disturb your sleeping environment.
Photo source: Independent.co.uk; Photographer: Unknown
The most important and the first use of the blindfold is to be able to experience comfortable sleep. Whether you are traveling or at home, sometimes daylight or extra lights prevent a good night’s sleep. In such a situation, a good and quality blindfold can guarantee the comfort of your sleep.
When many people face the problem of insomnia, the first solution that comes to their mind is taking sleeping pills and sleeping pills; But using blindfolds because it simulates dark conditions can provide you with a comfortable sleep without the need to use chemical or even herbal medicines. If you are suffering from insomnia problem, it is not bad to try blindfold instead of medicine this time.
Advantages of using a sleep mask
Scientific evidence shows that using a blindfold or sleep mask can help people sleep better and experience more relaxation due to blocking the ambient light.
In addition, using a mask is effective in treating migraine pain and can also have cosmetic and health benefits for the skin around the eyes, preventing wrinkles, dryness and puffiness of the eyes. In the following, we will share with you eight important reasons for using blindfolds:
Blocking light entering the eyes for better sleep and more health
Light is an important factor in regulating the circadian rhythm of our body; It means the same biological program of the body that determines our sleep and wake time. Prehistoric man adjusted his daily life based on sunlight. Sunset was the end of daily work and rest.
Photo source: pexels.com; Photographer: Unknown
Modern life is saturated with artificial lights. These lights disturb our night sleep. Even when we darken our bedroom, light rays from the street or other rooms penetrate into our bedroom. Based on this, the body receives different messages from the outside environment and disrupting the circadian rhythm of the body causes insomnia disorders.
In addition to reducing the quality of sleep, night lights contribute to a number of annoying problems in human health. A new study shows that even very small amounts of light in the bedroom can cause depression in the elderly. Other research shows that the presence of light in the bedroom increases the risk of diabetes.
Photo source: simplelighting.co.uk; Photographer: Unknown
Using a sleep mask solves all the problems related to disturbing lights in the bedroom and provides you with the darkness you deserve. This mask is placed directly on the eyes and evokes a dark night, even in the brightest bedrooms in the world.
Using a sleep mask is even more economical than light shade curtains for the bedroom, in addition, the blindfold prevents the blue lights in the bedroom from entering the eyes; Blue light is the same light that is emitted from your mobile phone or other devices, and just like the lights outside the building, it can disrupt your sleep cycle, and a good blindfold is the end of the blue light disturbance.
Reduce distractions
We are all familiar with the temptation to check our cell phone seconds after going to bed; But researchers believe that this work can disrupt the quality of sleep and even make it more difficult for us to rest. Whether you’re checking Instagram, Twitter, or sending an email, your alertness kicks in just when you shouldn’t. Nocturnal communication conflicts with the peace we need at the end of the day; In addition, we spend more time in digital communication than we should.
Photo source: digitaltrends.com; Photographer: Unknown
Using a sleep mask is an excellent antidote to this temptation. By placing it over your eyes and going to bed, you are actually creating a boundary between you and your cell phone. Although it is up to you and you can remove the mask from your eyes and go to your phone whenever you want, remember that using a blindfold helps your sleep hygiene.
Even if you wake up in the middle of the night, the sleep mask prevents you from checking the clock. Looking at the clock may only increase your anxiety about the next day’s tasks.
Protect the skin and prevent eye puffiness
If you are worried about crow’s feet wrinkles around your eyes, you should know that some eye patches have anti-aging properties. When you go to bed without a blindfold, the contact of the eye skin with the pillow can cause the skin around the eyes to wrinkle. Some blindfolds made of silk can protect the skin around your eyes from aging.
Using an eye patch can even help to solve one of the problems that we always face in the morning; It means puffy eyes. Especially if we have slept less time, the blindfold helps us experience better sleep at the same time.
Some eye masks are produced for this purpose. These blindfolds contain charcoal, and putting it on the eye prevents puffiness and dryness. Some other models are produced using technology that can be placed in the refrigerator or freezer and placed on the eyes to prevent wrinkles, dry eyes, and eye puffiness.
Using blindfolds while traveling
Airplanes, trains, and cars are rarely a good place for a good night’s sleep; But using this device can help you experience a better sleep while traveling. The airplane cabin is full of disturbing lights that disturb the sleep cycle. Using a sleep mask saves you from annoying lights inside the cabin.
Photo source: explore.com; Photographer: Unknown
Improvement of dry eyes
Dry eye is one of the common problems that many people suffer from. People who suffer from chronic dry eyes know how annoying this disease is, especially in the mornings.
During the night, the eyes may be exposed to dry air, dust and other stimuli. Some people even suffer from sleep disorder with half-open eyes, and using a sleep mask can act as a barrier against dust and other stimuli and prevent dry eyes.
Helps to relax the nerves
Some blindfolds are designed in such a way that by applying gentle pressure on the skin, they increase the secretion of melatonin and serotonin in the body and reduce sleep disorders and mental distress by creating a feeling of relaxation.
Migraine pain relief
For people with migraines, even the smallest amount of light in the surrounding environment can be annoying. Especially if the migraine attack occurs during the day, the light of day aggravates the migraine pains. Using a blindfold helps you sleep better by creating a dark space.
Photo source: Cold.pack.eye.gel.org; Photographer: Unknown
Even some blindfolds are designed for migraine pains and you can relieve migraine pains or small headaches by placing it in the refrigerator or freezer and putting it on the eyes.
Aromatherapy with sleep mask
Aromatherapy is one of the most common ways to treat insomnia. For this purpose, some sleep masks contain aromatic substances such as lavender, which is effective in treating insomnia and sleep-related problems. Using eye patches containing aromatic substances can help you in treating insomnia problems.
Disadvantages of sleeping blindfolds
Blindfold or sleep mask will not cause any side effects for you; But if your body is allergic to the ingredients of the blindfold, you will probably experience side effects. If you pay attention to the quality and materials of the blinds when choosing and buying them, it is unlikely that you will encounter this problem.
Photo source: health.clevelandclinic.org; Photographer: Unknown
Where to buy blindfolds?
Online stores are a great option for buying sleep blinds; Because in addition to a very high variety, they provide you with the possibility of comparing prices and easy shopping from home. Also, if you wish, you can get the best sleep blindfold from pharmacies.
Important points in buying blindfolds
- Suitable fabric: Sleeping blindfold should be made of good quality fabric. Putting this device on the eye for a long time can even be annoying. When choosing and buying blindfolds, be sure to pay attention to the quality of the fabric. Blindfolds made of silk and cotton fabrics have better quality.
- Suitable size: Sleeping mask is available in different sizes. When buying an eye patch, choose the right size for your face so that it is not too big or too small to bother you. In addition, the large blindfold can let the light through.
Photo source: Sleepopolis.com; Photographer: Unknown
- Antiallergic: Some people suffer from problems like eczema and skin allergies. The material of the sleep mask should be made of a fabric that does not cause sensitivity, itching and burning in the areas around the eyes.
- Design and color: The design and even the color of the blindfold should be such that it prevents light from passing through it.
Types of sleeping blindfolds
- Simple blindfolds: These types of blindfolds are usually made of one layer of fabric and are the simplest type of blindfold.
- Fancy blindfolds: These types of blindfolds have different designs and encourage people to use blindfolds.
- Compressed eye patch: Compressed blindfolds are a combination of the comfort of a normal blindfold and the healing properties of a cold or warm compress. Not only will these tools help you sleep more comfortably in bright environments or during travel, but they can also help reduce puffiness under the eyes, relieve headaches and migraines, and reduce eye inflammation.
Photo source: istockphoto.com; Photographer: Unknown
Having some items in the list of travel equipment, although they are small, cheap and compact, will have a high impact on the quality of the trip. We suggest that you prepare a list of the equipment you need before each trip and pack your backpack or suitcase based on it. You can share your experience and opinions about the use of blindfolds with other Kojaro users.
Cover photo source: dailystar.co.uk; Photographer: Unknown
Frequently asked questions
What is a sleep blindfold?
A blindfold or sleep mask is a simple but very practical device that is used to create complete darkness around the eyes while sleeping. By blocking the ambient light, this device helps you to have a deeper and more quality sleep.
What are the benefits of sleeping blindfolds?
The benefits of sleeping blindfolds include improving the quality of sleep, relieving migraine pain, helping to relax the nerves, reducing distraction, protecting the skin and preventing eye puffiness, improving dry eyes, etc.
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