Which sleep mask to choose? Night blindfold intended for sleeping. How it works

Light destroys melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. If artificial light enters the room while you sleep (for example, from a street lamp), the concentration of melatonin drops, and you wake up long before the alarm clock rings. To avoid this, sleep masks were invented. BeautyHack has made a selection of stylish and original models.

A little theory

The story about the benefits of sleep masks should begin with deciphering the concept of melatonin. This is a hormone that is produced pineal gland. Complete darkness stimulates its release into the bloodstream, while morning light, and light in general (including blue light screen) suppress his actions. Late at night, the body produces up to 70% of the daily amount of melatonin. The maximum concentration is observed between 12 midnight and 5 am.

Melatonin protects against stress and premature aging, colds and oncological diseases. It also regulates biorhythms - helps to adapt to time zone changes and go to bed after dark.

Twenty-one years ago, neuroscientist Richard Wurtman synthesized melatonin in his laboratory. A little later drug was patented as a remedy against insomnia in the elderly. Melatonin quickly became popular. And, despite Wolf's warnings against self-medication, many people take pills every time they can't sleep.

Somnologists warn that you should not abuse melatonin-based drugs so as not to disrupt its synthesis naturally. To improve sleep and speed up the process of falling asleep, experts recommend using sleep masks.

Information about the intensity of light enters the brain through the retina, even if the eyes are closed, it still continues to distinguish between darkness and light.

The mask blocks the flow of light impulses, and the concentration of melatonin does not fall until the change of day and night. And this is a deep and healthy sleep, giving the body the opportunity to fully rest.

See our selection of stylish masks that will help you get rid of insomnia.

Mask show

Slip - beige model mask made of natural silk. A good option for lovers of the classics.

Delicate powdery-marshmallow mask for vanilla dreams from Asceno.

Pastel-colored silk mask from luxury bed linen manufacturer Manito.

Between the lining and the front of the Aromatherapy Associated mask are dried lavender flowers, the smell of which helps you fall asleep faster.

Don't forget to put the Sleep Mask - Black - the classic model in black in hand luggage on long flights.

Adele is a cotton mask for lovers of original prints.

Why do rich people in Hollywood movies sleep with masks on? Is it just whim and spoilage behind this behavior? It turns out not. Sleeping bands are one of the simplest and available funds avoid diseases, and most importantly, reduce the risk of tumors.

To better understand the importance of sleeping in a sling, we need to take a short detour into anatomy.

The pineal body (epiphysis, pineal gland) is an unpaired organ endocrine system, located in the brain. The main hormones secreted by the pineal gland are melatonin, serotonin and adrenoglomerulotropin. Each of them performs important functions in the human body, but special attention deserves melatonin.

Melatonin is the main hormone of the pineal gland, which is a regulator of circadian rhythms. Melatonin was discovered in 1958 by A. B. Lerner. It was found that during the day the concentration of the hormone in the pineal gland and in the blood changes, and its significant increase occurs at night, and during the day there is a noticeable decrease. High numbers are recorded between midnight and 5 am, with a peak occurring at 2 am. The length of daylight hours also affects the synthesis of melatonin: less of it is produced in summer than in winter. Disturbed sleep at night also changes the level of melatonin in the blood.

Melatonin is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan, a non-essential amino acid found in legumes (especially peanuts, pine nuts, soybeans), oats, cheese, cottage cheese, dried dates, sesame, milk.

The process of melatonin synthesis occurs mainly at night (70% of all production per day). In 24 hours, the human body synthesizes about 30 mcg of melatonin. Its secretion is strictly subordinated circadian rhythm, which determines the rhythm of all functions and effects in the human body. Illumination greatly affects the synthesis and secretion of melatonin: excess light reduces its formation, and decreased illumination increases it. This fact has been confirmed by observations of blind people. They also have rhythmic secretion of the hormone, but it is characterized by peculiarities. For example, they have freely variable periods of melatonin secretion, and there is a 25-hour cycle compared to the 24-hour daily cycle characteristic of sighted people.

One more observation. With age, the activity of the pineal gland decreases, and less melatonin is produced. Maybe that’s why older people sleep so little, and if they do sleep, their sleep is superficial and very often restless. They often have insomnia. Meanwhile deep dream relieves fatigue and irritability; everything in the body is normalized internal organs and systems.

Main functions of melatonin:

• regulates sleep frequency;
• provides seasonal rhythm in animals;
• slows down the aging process;
• strengthens the immune system;
• is an antioxidant;
• provides adaptation when changing time zones;
• antitumor effect (proven in animals).

Why do you need to sleep in complete darkness?

As noted above, the concentration of melatonin is very dependent on light: the more light, the less hormone is synthesized in pineal gland. It is not difficult to guess that a low concentration of melatonin does not ensure the fulfillment of the entire list of functions of this hormone. Information about the intensity of light enters the brain through the retina of the eyes, and this happens even when closed eyes, since the eyelids are not any significant barrier: through closed eyelids, the retina continues to distinguish between light and darkness. Nerves approach the pineal gland from the retina, and incoming information about light intensity is processed there around the clock (even during sleep). Melatonin deficiency causes weakness immune system, and hence – diseases. In addition, the lack of melatonin as a hormone of “youth” and an antioxidant is the cause of premature and rapid aging. But the most important thing is that the imbalance of the immune system is dangerous due to its inaction in relation to tumor cells. A strong immune system independently eliminates foreign cells (and tumor cells are changed and become foreign own cells). In addition to potentiating the immune system, melatonin can itself have a cytotoxic effect against tumor cells. It should be noted that the risk group for the development of tumors (by the way, these are primarily tumors of the female genital organs and colon) includes people with shift schedule work (especially night shifts), aviation employees (when changing time zones, the secretion of melatonin is disrupted) - in short, all people whose professions involve working at night instead healthy sleep. By the way, it was noticed that in people who are primarily blind, the risk of tumors is 2 times less.

How to close the “watchful eye of the retina”? Probably everyone has noticed that representatives of rich families in Hollywood films sleep in special sleep masks. It turns out that this is not so much a sign of being spoiled as a sign of caring about one’s own health. Bandage - excellent remedy stop the flow of light impulses to the retina and allow the pineal gland to produce such a significant hormone - melatonin. A sleep mask especially justifies its use in metropolitan cities, where bright lights, lanterns, and billboards are lit at night.

Darkness is one of the conditions for good sleep. Thick curtains do not always protect from advertising lighting and bright light street lamps. Many people, even in a fairly darkened bedroom, are annoyed by the beacons on the switch or the dial of an electronic clock. A sleep mask will help get rid of such annoying little things. A bandage made of opaque fabric will ensure complete darkness even during daylight hours.

Many, having watched enough foreign films, consider the sleep band to be an attribute of aristocrats and a completely useless invention. But those who used the mask once appreciated the practicality of the product. You can sleep peacefully while one of the spouses reads in bed. In the summer, the nights are very short, and the sun rises early and, looking through the window, wakes you up with bright rays. A sleep band will allow you to fall asleep earlier in the evening and keep out the early morning rays of the sun.

The pad will be useful for those who like to sleep during the day. It’s not for nothing that the mask is called an eyecup. It fits the contours of the face and protects the eyes on the brightest sunny day. People whose work involves business trips will be able to take a nap in absolute darkness on a plane, bus or train.

An eyecup is necessary for proper sleep for those working night shifts and resting during the day. There are lonely people who are afraid to sleep in the dark. As a result, the lights are on all night, the person is constantly awakened and wakes up tired and exhausted. A sleep mask will help you fully relax in a lighted room. A bandage is also needed if the bed is opposite the window. In bright moonlight it is difficult to sleep, it causes a feeling of anxiety, causeless restlessness.

What do experts think about masks?

Doctors who treat sleep disorders believe that in some cases, a night bandage can replace sleeping pills. Most of daily dose the sleep hormone melatonin is produced in dark time days. Light reduces hormone production. Even through closed eyelids, light rays hit the retina and melatonin synthesis decreases. Lack of the hormone disrupts falling asleep, depth and rhythm of sleep, reduces the body's resistance to psycho-emotional stress, leads to chronic fatigue and rapid aging of the body. Sleeping blindfold creates absolute darkness. The production of melatonin is not disrupted, which means that your rest will be complete and your morning will be cheerful.

The eyecup is suitable for people who work a lot at the computer. In complete darkness, the tension accumulated during the day is relieved and eliminated. discomfort and the eye muscles relax.

How to choose a mask

Issued simple bandages made of fabric and products with various additions. In any case, no matter what additional features the manufacturer adds, the mask should be:

• comfortable;
• elastic;
• lightproof;
• with a smooth and delicate inner side;
• with reliable fastening.

Aesthetic performance, the presence of rhinestones, embroidery does not matter. But if such little things improve your mood, then any decorations are allowed that do not interfere with turning your head normally.

The most suitable materials are cotton, bamboo and silk. They do not irritate the skin and are pleasant to the touch. Elastic bands and tapes are used as fasteners. The most convenient products are those with two elastic bands, which have clamps for adjusting the length. Some dressings have nose cushions made from soft knitted fabric. They fit more tightly to the face.

Many people do not like to use masks because they make it uncomfortable to open their eyes. In such cases, it is necessary to choose pads with special convexities for the eyes.

Special pads for women

Women want not only to have a good night's sleep, but also to get rid of cosmetic problems. Devices with various inserts have been invented for them.

1. A bandage with gel inserts relieves puffiness in the eye area.
2. Sleeping glasses with magnetic disks along the contour will help you get a good night's sleep and tidy up your skin. Stimulating biologically active points on the face, they relieve hypertonicity of the facial muscles and enhance skin regeneration. If you apply nourishing cream to your face before going to bed, the magnetic elastic sleep bandage will enhance its effect.
3. Overlays with woven tourmaline threads promote normalization nervous system and improving blood circulation. The heat emanating from the body activates the tourmaline crystals, which begin to emit infrared rays. As a result, the energy of the cells is activated and they disappear dark circles under the eyes.
4. Prevent the appearance of wrinkles and make the skin smooth by wearing a fabric impregnated with copper oxide. Regular use of the bandage will help you sleep well and make the skin around your eyes velvety and smooth.

Smart sleep pads

A device that controls brain impulses helps switch from monophasic to polyphasic sleep. It reads brain signals and determines periods of slow and fast phases.

Why do you need a sleep mask stuffed with electronics? In order to sleep less and get enough sleep. The device sends a wake-up signal in the form of an ever-increasing light after the last stage of the REM phase. A person who wakes up feels cheerful and rested. The device can be set to short nap, it helps regulate the sleep cycle during a disordered daily routine. The NeuroOn overlay costs more than three hundred dollars. Relatively little for such a necessary device, because you can get a few extra hours to stay awake. But doctors do not share the enthusiasm of the developers. To maintain health and performance, you need 7-9 hours of sleep.

For a good rest, you don’t need to choose an expensive device with additional functions. A regular sleep mask made from natural material helps falling asleep quickly, reduce the number of awakenings and relieves eye fatigue.

List of used literature:

• Wittchen G.-U. Encyclopedia mental health/ Per. with him. AND I. Sapozhnikova, E.L. Gushansky. - Moscow: Aletheia, 2006.
• The association between insomnia symptoms and risk of cardio-cerebral vascular events: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies SAGE Journals 03/30/2017.
• Vasilchenko, S. M. Names of devices for sitting, lying and sleeping in modern Russian literary language. // Semantics of linguistic units. M.. 1996

Official medicine has long proven that a healthy and deep sleep only possible in complete darkness. But sometimes it can be difficult to achieve even at home, what to say about those cases when you have to sleep on the road or in some other uncomfortable conditions?

Who needs an eye pad?

Due to poor sleep quality, performance decreases, apathy and fatigue appear, and this does not have any other reason.

If you happen to spend the night in places that are unsuitable for sound healthy sleep due to their high light levels and noise levels, a sleep mask and earplugs will come to your aid. And if everything is clear with the second device, since you can buy it at any home and household goods store, then finding the first one in our time is not as easy as we would like.

Sleeping blindfolds used to be traditionally provided on airplanes to all passengers on long-haul flights that involve traveling overnight.

Today it is considered a first class privilege, and ordinary people You have to purchase such devices yourself. And if you don’t find this device in stores, you can try making it yourself.

Why do you need a blindfold for sleeping at all, and does it interfere with a person? As we have already said, it is suitable in cases where you have to sleep in a lit or partially lit room. Some people are particularly sensitive to this factor, and it is simply not possible for them to fall asleep in such conditions. If you are one of them, try this device to ensure that you get healthy, sound sleep in any external conditions.

And making such a blindfold for sleeping with your own hands is not at all difficult, which is what we suggest you do. Another bonus of this solution is the originality and uniqueness of the finished product, because your mask will look the way you want it!

Why should you use a night dressing?

Why and who needs a sleep mask?

First of all, this product will be especially relevant for travel lovers. Alas, tourism has not only obvious advantages, but also objective disadvantages. Sometimes people returning from vacation complain that they need another restorative vacation after it. And this is mainly due to lack of sleep on the road.

What is the correct name for a blindfold for sleeping?

Americans call such a device the word "blindfellen" ("blindfellen"), but you do not have to call it by its "native" word when purchasing it at a pharmacy or specialty store. It is enough to tell the seller exactly what you need and what goals you are pursuing.

Typically, such devices can be found in large pharmaceutical chains, or, less often, in regular supermarkets. By the way, the device is used not only healthy people, but also in patients with serious ophthalmological pathologies. Especially during active recovery vision - for example, after laser restoration and other operations.

The following may interfere with healthy sleep:

1. Headlights of cars driving in the oncoming lane (usually with this problem
   encounter passengers in cars and buses traveling long distances);
2. The light of street lamps located directly at your apartment or house windows;
3. The bright light of the moon at night in a cloudless sky (most people do not feel discomfort with this, but particularly photosensitive individuals can suffer from insomnia for a long time even for such a banal reason);
4. The light of lanterns passing outside the train windows;
5. Sunny morning light, especially in summer.

If you often encounter the problems listed above, you should definitely sew a sleep mask. After all, deprive yourself quality sleep– dangerous and unacceptable, especially if you are on vacation. And for people who have to constantly be on the road for work, this is absolutely necessary, because they often have important meetings precisely after such "sleepless nights".

The pattern of such a product is extremely simple, and you can sew it even if you have never practiced anything like this before. In a word, even an amateur who is far from cutting and sewing and does not have special sewing equipment in his home can make a mask.

Materials and tools you will need

In the process of making a sleep mask, you will need certain materials and tools that can be found at home or pre-purchased at a specialty store.

The standard mask size is 19.5 x 19.5 cm. Therefore, calculate the quantity the required material, based on it.

You will need:

• Basic material - cotton, chintz, flannel (we recommend that you use satin, as it is incredibly pleasant to the touch and looks very aesthetically pleasing from the outside);
• Non-woven fabric;
• Fleece or flannel for the inner layer of the bandage;
• Rubber (the part that attaches the mask to the head will be made from it);
• Any finishing materials - lace, ribbons, beads, guipure (if you are sewing a mask for your husband or any other man, this item can be excluded);
• Pattern (template lined and cut out of cardboard).

The pattern of the blindfold for sleeping should be made exactly according to the pattern. And in order to make it, you need to first draw out the shape of the future mask on cardboard or any other thick paper, and cut out the template with a stationery knife.

Step-by-step process for making a sleep mask

So, if you have already mastered the template, it’s time to start fully making your future sleep bandage. The pattern of this product will not take much of your time and effort, but you must act carefully so that your mask turns out smooth and beautiful.

How to sew a sleep eye mask step by step:

• From the main fabric, cut two rectangles of equal size. They should be slightly larger than the mask parts on your template;
• Outline the details of the mask according to the template with soap or a pencil (whichever is more convenient for you);
• Cut the fabric according to the drawn pattern using ordinary tailor's scissors or a stationery knife (also choose a tool according to your convenience in order to cut accurately - without nicks or threads);
• Don't forget to leave a seam allowance;
• Also process the non-woven fabric in a similar way - it is needed so that the finished bandage does not lose its shape;
• Also cut out a similar piece from fleece, but keep in mind that it should be 5 mm smaller than the main pieces on all sides in order to be properly located in the middle;
• To “guess” the length of the elastic, it is advisable to first measure the volume of your own head (or the head of the person for whom you are sewing a mask). Please note that the elastic band should under no circumstances pinch or squeeze the skin - it is intended only to secure the mask on the eyes!;
• Sew all the parts of the mask, including the main fabric, lining and interlining and not forgetting to leave room for the elastic;
• Then process the elastic band - it can also be sheathed with satin in the form of a prefabricated “belt”;
• Insert the elastic into the holes left and sew;
• On the front surface of the mask, sew lace or any other decorative elements that you selected earlier;
• The mask is ready and you can start testing it tonight!

You can sew using a machine or by hand. But keep in mind that in the second case you will need extreme care to ensure that the seams are even and the same size. It is unlikely that you will be able to sew a “belt” for an elastic band by hand, but if you want to somehow decorate it, try making a guipure frame.

It is no secret that a healthy and good sleep is possible only in the absence of such an external stimulus as sunlight, moonlight or artificial light, that is, in complete darkness. Only in this case can the hormone melatonin be produced, which is extremely necessary for the body person. What to do if you can’t rest in the dark for some reason? The answer is simple - blindfolds for sleeping will help you. So what are they?

for sleep - a full-fledged element of nightwear

As a rule, people are accustomed to the fact that before going to bed, they only need to take pajamas or a negligee. However, no less important element There are also blindfolds for sleeping. They are essential to protect yourself from bright light. They are especially relevant in the northern regions, because white nights do not provide the opportunity to properly rest. The only salvation in these parts is blindfolds for sleeping.

By the way, these accessories are often taken with them on long trips, just like earplugs. As a rule, neither on buses, nor on trains, nor on planes do the lights turn off, but only dimmed. Of course, this will negatively affect your well-being.

These attributes are made from light-proof materials and are distinguished by a multi-layer structure. One of the parts protects from light, the second allows the eyes to relax and rest as much as possible.

Medicinal properties

Don’t know where it’s sold in the pharmacy first of all! After all, she has many medicinal properties: Helps relieve migraines, eliminate bags. Small glass beads are added to such dressings for this very purpose. The only caveat is that this accessory must be cooled. But the model that is designed to relieve headaches, on the contrary, heats up slightly.

In a word, a sleep mask can be your excellent daily assistant. Its price is quite affordable - from 100 to 250 rubles. Most importantly, you will not only fight insomnia, but also increase the production of melatonin in your body, and this will have the best effect on your overall tone. This is not surprising, because this hormone prolongs a person’s life, gives him youth and clarity of mind.

The key to strong immunity

In general, sleep blindfolds are seemingly rather minor details in life. However, you should not underestimate them. This is not just a guarantee of quality, but, accordingly, strong immunity. This accessory helps relieve general fatigue on the face, and even more so the tension after working at the computer.

In addition, a sleep mask is also a very attractive thing that can be decorated with lace, silk and other materials. Wearing this attribute, you will plunge into a calm and deep sleep with great pleasure.

Huge selection

So, you have decided to purchase such an interesting accessory. Don't doubt it modern market you can choose exactly what you need. The wide range offers you incredibly original options. A sleep mask can be decorated not only with banal lace, but also with a variety of pebbles, ribbons, bows or funny prints.

Buying exactly what you want will not be difficult, just think about your preferences, tastes and capabilities. In a variety of stores, specialty shops, and pharmacies, you will definitely find the thing you need.

With my own hands...

However, it is not at all necessary to purchase a bandage for money. You can easily make it yourself. You will need some soft fabric(about thirty by fifteen centimeters) for the inside - cotton, chintz or flannel. For exterior decoration, you need to take the same piece of decorative material. In addition, you will need non-woven fabric, trim (for example, lace, beads or ribbons), and a thirty-centimeter elastic band.

This attribute is done step by step. First of all, a pattern is drawn. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the size and structure of your head. In order not to make a mistake, you will need to measure the distance across the forehead from temple to temple. This will be the width of the accessory. Just remember to add about a centimeter for allowances.

Parts of the required size are cut out clearly according to the made pattern. This applies to prepared fabric and non-woven fabric, thanks to which the item will retain its shape. It will stick on top part future model.

All components will be carefully sewn together, taking into account the space left for the elastic. Do not forget about the distance intended for allowances. Once all the pieces are connected, simply trim off the excess around the edges, leaving about half an inch on each side. Press the seams, sew the elastic to the side - and that's it! The mask is ready! The decorations are sewn on by hand at the very end.