Sleep should be the easiest thing in the world – yet for so many of us it proves to be a challenge. That’s where a silk sleep mask might come in handy. Avoid coarse materials that could be abrasive and irritating to the skin, notes Dr. Camp. “Eye masks that do not breathe well or retain sweat are also not ideal.”

It’s ultimately up to you whether or not an eye mask for sleeping makes sense for your needs. However, experts suggest that people who are light sleepers or whose sleep is disrupted by changing environments are particularly great candidates for eye masks. People who have bedrooms with lots of light or who have partners that like to stay up late with the lights on would also benefit from eye masks. On top of this, silk is known as an antibacterial and hypoallergenic material, which is why silk pillowcases are often recommended by dermatologists for a better night's sleep. Shelby Harris, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine and the director of sleep health at Sleepopolis. She tells Health that eye masks can benefit anyone who finds their sleep disrupted due to light exposure, but everyone needs to sleep in as much darkness as possible. “Those who are light sleepers, or shift workers who sleep during the daylight hours, can especially benefit from using a sleep mask,” she says . What Materials Should You Look for When Shopping for an Eye Mask for Sleeping

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Crafted from 100 percent mulberry silk, this sleep mask is a hypoallergenic option suitable for sensitive skin or allergies to indoor allergens like dust mites. Silk is particularly great for those with dust mite allergies, as dust mites find it inhospitable to live in. But this mask’s fabric offers extra brownie points for being mulberry silk. Mulberry silk comes from silkworms fed an exclusive mulberry leaf diet, which makes it ultra soft, And, unlike cotton, it won’t pull moisture from your skin. The gentle elastic band is also covered in silk, meaning it won’t cause any damage to your hair as you sleep. But that's not to say that other materials are inferior. If skincare isn't your top priority when choosing an eye mask, many soft cotton options, and even calming weighted masks, are still really comfortable and offer all the same benefits. To help you find the best sleep mask for your needs, we've compiled a list of the top 10 best available options. We also had an integrative neurologist and sleep medicine physician on our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy. As with many of Panda’s bedding and bathroom products, its eye mask is made from 100% bamboo, from the microfibre filling to its bamboo rayon outer. If you live a strict vegan lifestyle, then the Panda eye mask is a great alternative to silk (the production of which often involves the killing of the worms used), and we found it to be almost as smooth and soft. Yes, it is good to sleep with an eye mask. Eye masks help promote better sleep. Dr. Harris explains to Health that not getting enough sleep and/or poor sleep quality can lead to issues with memory, attention, cognitive processing, and balance, a higher risk of falls and accidents, more depression/anxiety, mood issues, and a poorer quality of life. “Long-term sleep deprivation can also lead to an increased risk of serious health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and strokes,” she says. Machine-washable fabric such as cotton is a bonus. Luxurious silk eye masks can be washed in some machines, but read the label. Hand-wash if in doubt.

Adjustable straps help to ensure the mask stays in place while you snooze. A well-fitting mask won’t just stay on your head all night, but it’ll cover your eyes rather than ending up over one ear when you turn in your sleep. The right fit is also essential for comfort, of course. Shelby Harris, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist and the director of sleep health at Sleepopolis If you’re finding sleeping with an eye mask isn’t giving you the quality sleep you hoped for, it may be time to see a doctor. “If someone is struggling with their sleep multiple nights a week (three-plus) or routinely has trouble with the quality or quantity of sleep, they should talk with a doctor or a sleep specialist,” says Dr. Harris. “There’s a lot of effective treatments out there that can improve sleep quality and quantity, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy for insomnia.” Eye masks are typically available in a few different materials that you can choose from. If you're concerned about keeping your skin in the best shape possible while asleep, Aanand Geria, MD, a dermatologist based in New Jersey, tells Health silk is the best material you can choose. “Silk is a smooth surface that won't pull at the delicate skin around the eyes, won't damage eyelashes, and won't interfere with the absorption of any nighttime products such as moisturizers,” he says.

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While a silk sleep mask usually comes with a higher price-tag attached to it, it is a little luxury worth investing in. Special inserts such as fragranced lavender inserts and “cooling gel” layers can boost an eye mask’s slumber power and help fend off puffy eyes in the morning. Just remember to remove these inserts before throwing the mask in the washing machine. We spoke to several experts to help you find the best eye masks for sleeping on the market. We consulted with board-certified dermatologists for their recommendations about the best materials for eye masks concerning overall skin and hair health. We also spoke with sleep experts, including a psychologist who specializes in sleep health. Over time, if you tend to pull on the strap as you remove it in the morning, you may find it stretches out. Gently removing the eye mask each morning may prevent this from happening. You can wash this silk in the machine with the rest of your delicates and lay it flat to dry for the best results.