If you have trouble falling asleep at night, a sleeping mask might be just the thing you need.
Personally I never thought about getting one, nor I knew anything about them until I started working nights.
I'd get home in the early morning, quite exhausted, but still unable to sleep.
Despite closed window blinds, there still was some sunlight in my room, and I could hear annoying bird chirping outside.
Luckily, I was able to find just the right thing to solve these problems - a sleeping mask with earplugs included.
Sleep masks, of course, have more uses than helping you fall asleep during the day if you work in a night shift.
I've found that they're also quite handy when traveling, especially if you're moving across the time zones.
They will help you doze off and get some needed rest during a long flight or a train ride.
What's more, an eye mask can help hospital patients fall asleep better.
Thankfully I haven't had to try this myself, but if you have a friend or a relative who has to stay at the hospital for an extended period of time, a sleep mask could make a thoughtful and very useful gift.
How do sleeping masks work? They simply block out the light (and some block sound as well), tricking your body into "thinking" that it's night - the time to sleep.
After all, the main thing regulating your sleep-wake cycle is the amount of light in the environment.
That's why you'll usually have trouble getting a quality 8 hour sleep in a brightly lit room.
What kind of a sleep mask should you buy? There are many different models, and most are quite affordable so you don't have to worry about spending more than $5 to $30.
Most popular products seem to be the ones made from foam, as they have a rigid contour and do not apply any pressure to the eyes.
Other masks are nothing more than blindfolds made from a smooth material like silk.
Make sure to choose one made from soft materials that won't irritate you during your sleep.