We Asked Dr. Lindsay: Do Eye Masks Really Improve Sleep?
Quality sleep is essential for our overall wellbeing – yet it can be surprisingly elusive. To understand whether eye masks truly make a difference, we spoke with Dr. Lindsay, who shared her expert insight.
“We sleep better when it’s dark, as light can suppress melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep. Therefore, if your bedroom has thin curtains or bright lights from gadgets, or you are a shift worker trying to sleep when the sun is still up, then an eye mask can be a really helpful way of blocking out disruptive light.”
Dr. Lindsay adds that eye masks can be especially beneficial when you're outside your usual sleep environment:
“An eye mask can be helpful if you’re travelling and you don’t know what the sleeping environment will be like at your destination – such as a hotel room or when sleeping in a tent – or you want to take a nap after lunch.”
Beyond blocking light, she also highlights the comforting ritual an eye mask can offer:
“I always find that a well-fitting eye mask can also be part of your sleep routine, adding a sense of stability and consistency wherever you sleep, as it’s portable comfort from home wherever you are sleeping.”
The takeaway: Eye masks aren’t just a travel accessory – they’re a simple, effective way to support deeper rest, regulate your sleep cycle, and bring a familiar sense of calm wherever you go.
