A silk eye mask is a loose, usually one-size-fits-all cover for your eyes, usually made from 100% pure mulberry silk. The fabric around your eyes is naturally thinner than anywhere else on your body, and the regular fabric doesn’t quite give you enough comfort to create a relaxed environment. However, a high-quality silk mask will be highly breathable and won’t dry out your skin or irritate it in any way. For those who live in warmer climates or tend to be hot sleepers, they’re also an awesome way to keep sweat from dripping down into your eyes and disrupting what could otherwise be a peaceful night of rest.

The best way to get a good night’s rest is by limiting light exposure before bed. Light from electronic devices stimulates your brain and makes it harder to fall asleep, but using something as simple as a silk eye mask can make a huge difference. Research shows that participants who used a silk eye mask during their first 2 hours of sleep took longer to reach their threshold for awakening than those who didn’t wear one. So, if you’re struggling with insomnia or lack of sleep, try wearing a silk eye mask for two hours before bedtime; it may just be what you need to unwind and enjoy 7-8 hours of undisturbed slumber.

In addition, the idea of sleeping with a neck pillow sounds quite uncomfortable, but many people swear by them. Silk eye masks are particularly great for sensitive skin or allergies as they won’t give you that itchy feeling some pillows do. Plus, they’re more comfortable than most as they can conform to your face better. If you have back issues, using your silk eye mask as a headrest might make sleeping on your side easier too. When worn around your eyes, these masks will also block out all light. This helps trick your brain into thinking it’s dark and sends calming signals down to your pineal gland (the part of our brains responsible for regulating our circadian rhythms). This shift in body chemistry can induce deeper REM cycles, ultimately improving the quantity and quality of sleep you get.