8 Best Weighted Eye Masks for Sounder Sleep
Updated: Feb. 01, 2024
These mini weighted blankets for your eyes may be all you need to banish insomnia and other sleep-related problems once and for all.
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Say goodbye to restless nights
You may think you’ve tried everything for a good night’s sleep—from new pajamas, warm socks, and cozy loungewear sets to electric blankets, new pillows, and non-toxic mattresses. But what you may be missing is a weighted eye mask. A cross between sleep masks and weighted blankets, these little miracle workers block out light and are filled with tiny beads, foam, natural flaxseeds, or sand to provide deep pressure stimulation that may help with anxiety, headaches, and sinus pain in addition to sleep issues.
Do weighted eye masks work?
“More and more studies support the fact that many people find them very effective and helpful,” says Smita Patel, DO, the founder and medical director of iNeuroInstitute.com. “Studies show they improve relaxation, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. They can even result in more REM time, shorter REM latency, and elevated levels of melatonin, helping to promote healthy sleep patterns and hormone balance.”
Dr. Patel believes weighted eye masks may be a simple, non-pharmacological fix for anyone who has disrupted or poor sleep, and she encourages those suffering from insomnia to find one that fits comfortably so it stays put for at least the first half of the night, when melatonin production is at its peak.
What does a weighted eye mask do?
All eye masks block out light and increase melatonin production, which is why they’re especially popular on long flights. “This is the hormone in the brain that is necessary for starting the sleep process,” explains Dr. Patel. “Being exposed to light in the evening hours—even dim light—will lower your melatonin levels. An eye mask can really make a difference.”
Weighted eye masks have even more benefits, since they work similarly to weighted blankets. “A weighted eye mask with evenly distributed pressure can feel like a hug or being wrapped up snugly, and this has an immediate relaxing effect on the body,” says Dr. Patel. “Overall, a weighted eye mask will help to improve sleep quality, which can lower your blood pressure and improve your immunity, your memory, and even your weight management.”
Do weighted sleep masks help with puffy eyes?
Although Dr. Patel is not aware of a direct link between weighted sleep masks and preventing puffy eyes, she suggests buying one that you can place in the freezer before using to boost the chance that it will help. “The cooling effect helps constrict dilated blood vessels, reducing the appearance of puffiness,” she explains.
No matter what your personal needs or preferences are, there’s a mask out there that may help you. We rounded up the best weighted eye masks so you can finally get a good night’s sleep. Try them once and there’s a good chance you’ll be a fan for life.
Gravity Weighted Sleep Mask
It should come as no surprise that Gravity gets props for the best overall weighted sleep mask since this brand was a pioneer in the weighted-blanket industry. This mask uses the same science, with a patented design that distributes one pound of weight to key pressure points on areas tied to relaxation. Made of micro-plush and imitation cashmere, it feels amazing on your face, too. In one five-star review, light sleeper Andrea says, “It improved my sleep immediately.” And Jennifer, who was “not a person for sleep masks,” raves that this helps with her migraines, especially on really tough nights.
Nodpod Sleep Mask
Nodpod understands that if you’re not a back or stomach sleeper, finding the right mask can be challenging, so they created a unique mask that’s perfect for any sleeping position but especially side sleeping. This extra long sleep mask doesn’t have elastic or Velcro; instead, it drapes over your face and stays in place to totally block out the light. Four plush, weighted pods are filled with scent-free microbeads, and depending on your needs, you can choose between cooling jersey cotton on one side and warm microfiber on the other. This mask comes in a rainbow of colors, and reviewers rave that it is “the perfect product” that they “cannot live without.” For an even better night’s rest, pick up one of the best pillows for side sleepers.
Candi Andi Weighted Sleep Eye Mask
Candi Andi handcrafts this all-natural weighted sleep mask using the finest natural fiber crushed velvet and all-natural fills. It’s perfectly weighted with flax seeds for gentle pressure around the eyes and scented with all-natural lavender blossoms, which, according to Dr. Patel, “offers calming and soothing properties that can help reduce stress. Lavender also serves as a great sleep aid by helping you fall asleep faster and enhance your quality of sleep during the night.” The mask feels luxurious against your skin, providing a soothing tactile experience and sending you off to dreamland naturally. Try it in conjunction with this simple sleep trick and you could be snoozing in 60 seconds or less.
FOMI Care Moist Heat Weighted Eye Mask
Although you can place most masks in the microwave, this weighted sleep mask is particularly well suited for heating because of its natural clay beads. When activated by the heat of the microwave, the beads gather moisture from the air, heat quickly, and retain their peak therapeutic temperature for long periods of time. This moist heat is ideal for soothing aches and pains, and the oversized mask keeps your head and face snuggled, so you happily drift off to sleep. One reviewer calls it “Weighted and warm. Calming and cozy,” and another says, “It has made a huge difference in my sleeping.”
Talking Out of Turn Free Spirit Eye Mask
Like a mini weighted blanket, this strapless mask leaves you relaxed and unencumbered, and it’s the best weighted sleep mask for a cooling effect. Just store it in the freezer until you’re ready to use it, then lay it across your eyes to work its magic. “A cooling eye mask can be helpful for those days with puffy eyes,” says Dr. Patel. “The coolness acts to constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling.” This cooling effect combined with the pressure of the weighted mask can also relieve eye strain and help people suffering from dry eyes. And can we talk about how adorable it is with its stylish stripes? We might be a little obsessed. If you tend to run hot at night, you’ll also want to check out the best cooling pillows and bed sheets.
ASUTRA Weighted Silk Eye Pillow with Lavender and Flax Seeds
Arguably the most versatile weighted eye mask you’ll ever find, this silk beauty is filled with organic ingredients—lavender and flax seeds—that offer aromatherapy benefits along with healing and relaxation. Thanks to separate zippered pouches, you can add or remove the lavender and flax seeds to customize the weight and scent to your personal preference, so you can use it for sleep, meditation, yoga, or just chilling. The 100 percent silk mask has hundreds of five-star reviews on Amazon, where one customer calls it a “game changer,” raving, “I had no idea my restless, stay-awake late nights could have a cure. Oh, my word—it changed my life and my quality of sleep! I so wish I tried these sooner. I mean…I’m actually getting more sleep.”
Slept Satin Weighted Eye Mask no. 1
This luxurious mask protects your delicate eye area from abrasive bedding that can cause creases, fine lines, and wrinkles. “I personally use a silk eye mask,” says Dr. Patel. “Silk is a natural fiber and satin is a weave, but both will provide a smooth sleep surface, and satin will be more affordable.” Slept’s mask offers four ounces of gentle weighted pressure to promote relaxation and cooling satin for temperature control. Plus, it just feels great against your skin. If you’re looking for another luxurious must-have for fewer wrinkles, smoother hair, and better sleep, try a silk pillowcase.
IMAK Compression Pain Relief Mask and Eye Pillow
At less than $15, this budget-friendly option provides welcome pain relief—without a painful price tag. Designed by an orthopedic surgeon to alleviate sinus pain, eyestrain, and pain from migraine and tension headaches, its ergobeads offer a gentle massage effect, while its patented stitching design removes direct pressure from eyes. The breathable cotton mask has more than 10,200 five-star reviews, with one buyer named Alexis saying it “helps with anxiety and insomnia,” and another calling it “the best sleep mask I’ve ever tried.” Next, check out the other sleep products Amazon shoppers can’t stop buying.
Source:
- Smita Patel, DO, a triple board-certified physician in neurology, sleep medicine, and integrative medicine, and the founder and medical director of iNeuroinstitute.com
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Originally Published: June 28, 2021
