Clinical trials in intensive care units (ICUs) showed that patients using eye masks spent more time in REM sleep and reached it faster, leading to better restorative rest.

When buying a sleep mask, consider the following based on expert reviews from WIRED and Forbes Vetted : Eye Masks for Sleep: Benefits, Safety and Buying Tips

Use of eye masks and earplugs has been linked to reduced cortisol levels (a stress hormone) and lower heart rates. Key Features to Look For

Research indicates that wearing a sleep mask (often called an eye mask or eye pad) can significantly improve sleep quality and cognitive performance by blocking ambient light. Scientific Benefits

Darkness triggers the brain to release melatonin , the hormone responsible for signaling the body to rest. Even low levels of light at night can suppress this hormone and disrupt your circadian rhythm.

A 2023 study found that wearing an eye mask to block light while sleeping improved episodic memory encoding and alertness the following day.