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But wearing an eye mask is nigh impossible for restless sleepers; it slips off constantly. My best solution after trying many masks is an old t-shirt draped acr

But wearing an eye mask is nigh impossible for restless sleepers; it slips off constantly. My best solution after trying many masks is an old t-shirt draped across my eyes, which inevitably slips off but at least doesn't drag elastic bands over my face. Anyone know of research showing the effectiveness of varying levels of darkness in a room, from complete blackout to fairly dim?

LinuxBender 3y ago
The masks that are cloth all the way around and have velco work for restless sleepers and side sleepers, or at least that has been my experience. I was on a medication ages ago that made me restless. Look online for the masks that are 100% cotton cloth and have a thin padding inside. Avoid the masks with the eye-shaped face and avoid the masks with the stretch band as they do exactly as you describe.
Eupraxias 3y ago
As a restless sleeper, I use a headband-like bluetooth headset for ambient sound to help me sleep. I can imagine a slightly larger one that extends over the eyes - if I can find one, I will buy it.
- aksss 3y ago
  https://mantasleep.com/products/manta-sleep-mask-sound https://mantasleep.com/products/manta-sleep-mask-sound No experience with it but sounds like the kind of thing you're after.
  - TylerE 3y ago
    Got one and it’s pretty much the bees knees. A nice evolution over their earlier generation, which I also own. It even seals about 99% of light over a full task CPAP Darth Vader setup
    - q7xvh97o2pDhNrh 3y ago
      I hope you don't mind me saying: Between that mask and a CPAP machine, your sleep setup sounds delightfully cyberpunk.
      - heleninboodler 3y ago
        From personal experience, adding a mouthguard brings this entire look up to "dead sexy" status. /s
  - cjmb 3y ago
    I can confirm this thing is amazing the pro one, not the one you linked (headphone inserts seem like needless ear pressure): https://mantasleep.com/products/manta-sleep-mask-pro https://mantasleep.com/products/manta-sleep-mask-pro i toss and turn all night and this thing stays on most of the time, is incredibly comfortable, and i am so grateful i received it as a gift (would never have bought for self)
    - q7xvh97o2pDhNrh 3y ago
      Thanks for posting this. I've been looking for a mask with eye cups but couldn't find anything decent on Amazon. Have you tried the Silk one? I'm tempted to get that one instead of the Pro since the materials sound nicer, but the site is really unclear about the differences...
    - fauxpause_ 3y ago
      Hmm… I just bought one but I notice their page has a quote of customer praise saying they can no longer sleep without one. That seems a little bit troubling
      - chromakode 3y ago
        Earplugs and sleep masks are habit forming, but speaking as a light sleeper, it's better than the alternative. It's easy enough to always have one on hand, and makes a big difference in my restfulness.
    - chromakode 3y ago
      As a side sleeper I had the opposite experience unfortunately, so YMMV. The Manta Pro is touted for side sleepers, but I've used both the pro and original and they both suffer from the same problem: it still slips around and the walls of the eye cups press into my eyes as I sleep. I gave it a few weeks of waking up with soreness and misaligned vision. No amount of fiddling with eye cup positions or strap tightness helped. The thickness of the strap is a fundamental design problem with the Manta approach, even with the expensive tech fabrics on the pro. It's overbuilt. After trying about 10 other sleep masks, I ended up with the Alaska Bear Silk Two Strap [1] which has straps so thin they're imperceptible, and a much more effective retention mechanism, for a fraction of the price. [1] https://www.amazon.com/ALASKA-Natural-Blindfold-Super-Smooth-Straps/dp/B00S5Q826U https://www.amazon.com/ALASKA-Natural-Blindfold-Super-Smooth...
  - scottlilly 3y ago
    I've been using a Manta Sleep mask (no speakers) for the last year and half, and love it. Unlike the cheap eye mask, it doesn't have an elastic strap that eventually gets out of shape. And it blocks 100% of light for me. As a side sleeper, I can't use masks with speakers or even long ear plugs, as they put enough pressure on my ear cartilage that they make sleep uncomfortable.
    - hombre_fatal 3y ago
      I just put an earbud in the ear facing the ceiling. If I’m awake when I flip, I move the earbud. If I’m asleep, it falls out and I’m none the wiser.
  - gennarro 3y ago
    I have one and find it to be very uncomfortable.
  - zmmmmm 3y ago
    If people want to try it without spending so much, Ebay has much cheaper ones: https://www.ebay.com/itm/194063513469 https://www.ebay.com/itm/194063513469 If you do find it useful then it's worth spending the money to get the best available, but I use the cheap one and it's great.
- rvcdbn 3y ago
  I've used https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FSFBSXY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FSFBSXY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b... It's pretty much exactly what you're describing. My only complaint is that the velcro wears off after time and it stops sticking.
mcshicks 3y ago
Maybe try sleeping in a thin loose black hoodie and pull the drawstrings until your eyes are covered. Works for me.
- aksss 3y ago
  Just put the hoodie on backwards.. and during the day the hood can act as a feed bucket.
smlacy 3y ago
Try using a black fleece neckwarmer as an eye mask.
SapporoChris 3y ago
First line of the abstract: Ambient light can influence sleep structure and timing. So of course the eye mask isn't necessary at all, reducing the ambient light is the key. Mask is one option, but black out curtains (in most areas) and eliminated or shielding any light emitting devices in the room is key.
- htag 3y ago
  It's incredible how bright a room can be with the lights off in the dead of night. I use small strips of electrical tape to block led lights from small appliances I keep in my bedroom. I wish more companies were thoughtful in reducing the amount of light their electronics emit in a default state.
dzhiurgis 3y ago
I really liked my Cabeau mask, but eventually slipped into using tshirt too - always around, covers more and straps don't strangle your head.
l33tbro 3y ago
Have you tried the Manta sleep mask? Expensive but never slips, does the black out thing, and is super comfortable and very breathable in hot weather. Improved my sleep significantly.
mckirk 3y ago
I've had the same problem, but found a solution: a standard eye mask that would slip off on its own, held in place by one of those 'Buff' tube scarves.
throwaway689236 3y ago
I was a restless sleeper until I've learnt to sleep on my back. Try it for a week, it really is a superior position to sleep in.
gloryjulio 3y ago
U just need to sleep in a dark room. Light blocking blinds will do
tomduncalf 3y ago
I’m not sure it would work for your scenario, but I use a Buff [1], which is a soft fabric tube designed for wearing as a kind of face mask for outdoors activities. They’re really soft and comfortable as an eye mask and don’t get too hot or slip off. I fold it over 2 or 3 times to make it darker. Couldn’t sleep without it! [1] buff.com
- neillyons 3y ago
  Great idea! I'm going to try this.
chrisbrandow 3y ago
I have likewise found that a T-shirt around the head tying the arms is an order of magnitude better than a mask and really helps me with the last couple hours of sleep when things are getting lighter.
postdb 3y ago
For many people, light prevents melatonin production. Maybe not for everyone, also know an old friend in school who can sleep through bright sun right in the face.
rwmj 3y ago
You need to spend a bit of money on a comfortable and large mask. I have used this one in the past (Amazon link but it seems to be "unavailable" now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07TL7VYSM https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07TL7VYSM).
- udfalkso 3y ago
  Clicking this link changed my Amazon app location to UK and I can’t figure out how to change it back! Thx for the recc though.
aqme28 3y ago
I've been covering my eyes almost my whole life, and I agree with you that a t-shirt is far more effective than almost any sleep mask I've found. And yes, I've tried the fancy ones. A shirt drapes comfortably, it fits you easily and snugly without pulling too tight, it's also always available
dguo 3y ago
I had the same problem with masks. I eventually bought a pair of swimming goggles and covered it with tape to block out light. It rarely slips off and is reasonably comfortable.

LinuxBender 3y ago

The masks that are cloth all the way around and have velco work for restless sleepers and side sleepers, or at least that has been my experience. I was on a medication ages ago that made me restless. Look online for the masks that are 100% cotton cloth and have a thin padding inside. Avoid the masks with the eye-shaped face and avoid the masks with the stretch band as they do exactly as you describe.

Eupraxias 3y ago

As a restless sleeper, I use a headband-like bluetooth headset for ambient sound to help me sleep. I can imagine a slightly larger one that extends over the eyes - if I can find one, I will buy it.

aksss 3y ago
https://mantasleep.com/products/manta-sleep-mask-sound https://mantasleep.com/products/manta-sleep-mask-sound No experience with it but sounds like the kind of thing you're after.
- TylerE 3y ago
  Got one and it’s pretty much the bees knees. A nice evolution over their earlier generation, which I also own. It even seals about 99% of light over a full task CPAP Darth Vader setup
  - q7xvh97o2pDhNrh 3y ago
    I hope you don't mind me saying: Between that mask and a CPAP machine, your sleep setup sounds delightfully cyberpunk.
    - heleninboodler 3y ago
      From personal experience, adding a mouthguard brings this entire look up to "dead sexy" status. /s
- cjmb 3y ago
  I can confirm this thing is amazing the pro one, not the one you linked (headphone inserts seem like needless ear pressure): https://mantasleep.com/products/manta-sleep-mask-pro https://mantasleep.com/products/manta-sleep-mask-pro i toss and turn all night and this thing stays on most of the time, is incredibly comfortable, and i am so grateful i received it as a gift (would never have bought for self)
  - q7xvh97o2pDhNrh 3y ago
    Thanks for posting this. I've been looking for a mask with eye cups but couldn't find anything decent on Amazon. Have you tried the Silk one? I'm tempted to get that one instead of the Pro since the materials sound nicer, but the site is really unclear about the differences...
  - fauxpause_ 3y ago
    Hmm… I just bought one but I notice their page has a quote of customer praise saying they can no longer sleep without one. That seems a little bit troubling
    - chromakode 3y ago
      Earplugs and sleep masks are habit forming, but speaking as a light sleeper, it's better than the alternative. It's easy enough to always have one on hand, and makes a big difference in my restfulness.
  - chromakode 3y ago
    As a side sleeper I had the opposite experience unfortunately, so YMMV. The Manta Pro is touted for side sleepers, but I've used both the pro and original and they both suffer from the same problem: it still slips around and the walls of the eye cups press into my eyes as I sleep. I gave it a few weeks of waking up with soreness and misaligned vision. No amount of fiddling with eye cup positions or strap tightness helped. The thickness of the strap is a fundamental design problem with the Manta approach, even with the expensive tech fabrics on the pro. It's overbuilt. After trying about 10 other sleep masks, I ended up with the Alaska Bear Silk Two Strap [1] which has straps so thin they're imperceptible, and a much more effective retention mechanism, for a fraction of the price. [1] https://www.amazon.com/ALASKA-Natural-Blindfold-Super-Smooth-Straps/dp/B00S5Q826U https://www.amazon.com/ALASKA-Natural-Blindfold-Super-Smooth...
- scottlilly 3y ago
  I've been using a Manta Sleep mask (no speakers) for the last year and half, and love it. Unlike the cheap eye mask, it doesn't have an elastic strap that eventually gets out of shape. And it blocks 100% of light for me. As a side sleeper, I can't use masks with speakers or even long ear plugs, as they put enough pressure on my ear cartilage that they make sleep uncomfortable.
  - hombre_fatal 3y ago
    I just put an earbud in the ear facing the ceiling. If I’m awake when I flip, I move the earbud. If I’m asleep, it falls out and I’m none the wiser.
- gennarro 3y ago
  I have one and find it to be very uncomfortable.
- zmmmmm 3y ago
  If people want to try it without spending so much, Ebay has much cheaper ones: https://www.ebay.com/itm/194063513469 https://www.ebay.com/itm/194063513469 If you do find it useful then it's worth spending the money to get the best available, but I use the cheap one and it's great.
rvcdbn 3y ago
I've used https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FSFBSXY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FSFBSXY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b... It's pretty much exactly what you're describing. My only complaint is that the velcro wears off after time and it stops sticking.

mcshicks 3y ago

Maybe try sleeping in a thin loose black hoodie and pull the drawstrings until your eyes are covered. Works for me.

aksss 3y ago
Just put the hoodie on backwards.. and during the day the hood can act as a feed bucket.

smlacy 3y ago

Try using a black fleece neckwarmer as an eye mask.

SapporoChris 3y ago

First line of the abstract: Ambient light can influence sleep structure and timing. So of course the eye mask isn't necessary at all, reducing the ambient light is the key. Mask is one option, but black out curtains (in most areas) and eliminated or shielding any light emitting devices in the room is key.

htag 3y ago
It's incredible how bright a room can be with the lights off in the dead of night. I use small strips of electrical tape to block led lights from small appliances I keep in my bedroom. I wish more companies were thoughtful in reducing the amount of light their electronics emit in a default state.

dzhiurgis 3y ago

I really liked my Cabeau mask, but eventually slipped into using tshirt too - always around, covers more and straps don't strangle your head.

l33tbro 3y ago

Have you tried the Manta sleep mask? Expensive but never slips, does the black out thing, and is super comfortable and very breathable in hot weather. Improved my sleep significantly.

mckirk 3y ago

I've had the same problem, but found a solution: a standard eye mask that would slip off on its own, held in place by one of those 'Buff' tube scarves.

throwaway689236 3y ago

I was a restless sleeper until I've learnt to sleep on my back. Try it for a week, it really is a superior position to sleep in.

gloryjulio 3y ago

U just need to sleep in a dark room. Light blocking blinds will do

tomduncalf 3y ago

I’m not sure it would work for your scenario, but I use a Buff [1], which is a soft fabric tube designed for wearing as a kind of face mask for outdoors activities. They’re really soft and comfortable as an eye mask and don’t get too hot or slip off. I fold it over 2 or 3 times to make it darker. Couldn’t sleep without it! [1] buff.com

neillyons 3y ago
Great idea! I'm going to try this.

chrisbrandow 3y ago

I have likewise found that a T-shirt around the head tying the arms is an order of magnitude better than a mask and really helps me with the last couple hours of sleep when things are getting lighter.

postdb 3y ago

For many people, light prevents melatonin production. Maybe not for everyone, also know an old friend in school who can sleep through bright sun right in the face.

rwmj 3y ago

You need to spend a bit of money on a comfortable and large mask. I have used this one in the past (Amazon link but it seems to be "unavailable" now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07TL7VYSM https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07TL7VYSM).

udfalkso 3y ago
Clicking this link changed my Amazon app location to UK and I can’t figure out how to change it back! Thx for the recc though.

aqme28 3y ago

I've been covering my eyes almost my whole life, and I agree with you that a t-shirt is far more effective than almost any sleep mask I've found. And yes, I've tried the fancy ones. A shirt drapes comfortably, it fits you easily and snugly without pulling too tight, it's also always available

dguo 3y ago

I had the same problem with masks. I eventually bought a pair of swimming goggles and covered it with tape to block out light. It rarely slips off and is reasonably comfortable.