Get good sleep by using eye masks

Sleep eye masks are great companions for those who wish to get some good sleep without light disturbing them. Darkness permits the brain to convert serotonin, which is secreted when a person is awake, into melatonin, inducing sleep. Therefore it is essential to keep light out when one is trying to get some sleep. Sleep eye masks are known for the following

• Eye masks that keep nearly 100% of the light out are available
• Even when a person sleeps on his/her side, the eye masks remain effective in keeping light out
• Most of the eye masks are made of fabric that is washable and hence will be very convenient for repeated use
• When the fasteners are made of Velcro, it allows a snug fit without the eye mask hanging loosely or cutting one's skin.
• Certain eye masks are available along with ear plugs and small discrete pockets are present on such eye masks to store these ear plugs. The ear plugs are light weight and allow one to sleep blissfully by shutting noise out.
• There are many different colour options that are available for these eye masks. Black eye masks are the most popular choice and have been in favour for a long time.
• Eye masks that apply a gentle pressure on one's eyes are available for those who need it, while eye cavities present on the inner side of certain sleep eye masks will help avoid any contact with one's eyes.
• Eye masks for travel will provide comfortable sleep for those who enjoy their sleep without light. Many such masks are available with easy to carry pouches that can be carried along anywhere. Many flights offer black eye masks to their passengers to prevent light from disturbing their sleep.
• Eye masks can also be used when one is out relaxing on a hammock on a sunny summer day. Sleeping on a hammock is an elevating feeling and is enjoyed by many.
• Eye masks are available in many different kinds of fabric. Silk is one of the most expensive materials that are used for eye masks. Certain people who are sensitive to synthetic eye masks also have the option of using eye masks that are made completely of cotton. Such eye masks will provide good sleep without causing skin irritation among these people. Other options for sleep eye masks include completely organic masks which are biodegradable and are for those who are truly concerned about the planet.
• Eye gel masks are available that have been designed to provide soothing comfort as one rests. The gel packs that are present may be heated or cooled. Hot packs help in soothing muscles while a cold pack can be used to alleviate stress
• Sleep eye masks do not serve to only keep the light out but can also be used for providing therapeutic benefits using aromatherapy. There are pockets that are available in certain eye masks that can be used to place sachets of herbs that will serve to soothe one's nerves. Such therapeutic masks are becoming increasingly popular.

Eye masks can be used in a variety of situations and are most commonly used by people who work odd hours and need to sleep during the day. Such people will greatly benefit from owning an eye mask that will keep the light out at day time.

These masks are available in a large number of stores and can even be purchased online. The different types of masks that are available can be viewed along with detailed descriptions and the right one chosen. Eye masks are made in different sizes and the size that fits one perfectly should be chosen. Large masks would result in the mask hanging loose and ineffective in blocking the light out and small eye masks will hurt one's skin and prove to be a discomfort while sleeping.

If store bought eye masks are not for you and you are looking for ways to make your own eye mask, here is how to make your own eye mask

Step one: Select a fabric of choice. Choose a material that you would be comfortable wearing during sleep.

Step two: Choose an eye mask pattern. This could be a pattern based on previously owned eye mask or a pattern can be chosen using the internet. The pattern should be neatly traced on to a felt paper and the shape cut out.

Step three: Cut the chosen fabric using the felt paper pattern. The fabric should ideally be folded into 2 before the pattern is cut as this would provide 2 exact pieces. One would be the inner part of the eye mask and the other would form the outer part.

Step four: Elastic can be used to fasten the sleep eye mask to one's eyes. The size of the elastic can be based on the circumference of the head of the person who would be wearing the mask

Step five: Sew the 2 pieces of fabric together, leaving the 2 ends of the mask to fit the elastic.

Step six: Fill the inside of the mask with material that would prevent the entry of light. Rice or grains have been found to prevent entry of light while making homemade eye masks.

Step seven: Finally the elastic can be sewn into either ends completing the homemade eye mask. The eye mask can then be used to keep light out while one sleeps.