How to Wear an Eye Mask to Sleep

Whether you have been burning the midnight oil and need the occasional mid-afternoon nap, or simply cannot sleep without total darkness, wearing an eye mask can help you obtain a deep, satisfying rest that will rejuvenate you for the day to come.

However, wearing an eye mask properly can be tough if you have never done it (or if you feel uncomfortable wearing a strap around your face). Here are some steps to help you wear your eye mask properly to achieve maximum rest.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An eye make with an elastic strap
• A comfortable pillow
• A little patience (if you're new at this)

Adjust for Comfort

1. When putting an eye mask on for the first time, it can seem a little uncomfortable. Before you know it, your eyes are entirely covered and the room has gone dark! Putting the eye mask properly may help to relieve some initial frustration. In order to put the eye mask on properly, hold it as if it is a pair of goggles. Stabilizing the cloth part against your forehead, gently pull the elastic strap over your head. The elastic strap should fit comfortably at the nape of your neck.

2. Next, close your eyes and pull the cloth part of the eye mask gently downward until it feels comfortable over your eyes and nose. Pulling the mask downward will help to keep your eyelashes from being bent uncomfortably upward.

3. With the mask firmly in place, open your eyes just a bit. You'll want to check to see if light is coming through any open areas of the eye mask. If possible (and needed), adjust the eye mask to compensate for any open areas.

4. If the eye mask is firmly in place, you should be able to toss and turn to your heart's content without losing your eye mask in your sleep. Remember: adjusting to an eye mask can be difficult at first, but well worth the benefits. After all, studies prove that people get deeper rest in darker conditions. Now lay back and get ready for the best sleep of your life!

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a small or large head, look for an eye mask with an adjustable strap that you can modify to suit your head
• A dark eye mask will help to keep light out
• Always double check your face for eye mask impressions in the morning before heading off for the day
• Eye masks can be habit forming, so make sure you take one with you anytime you sleep away from home to ensure that you'll get a good night's rest wherever you are!
• Wearing an eye mask that's too tight can cut off circulation and cause deep impressions in your facial tissue

Resources

• Check here for eye masks and sleeping tools
• Hibermate - Luxury, handsown masks!