Why do we need sleep masks at all?

Why do we need sleep masks at all?

It is believed that if you are really tired and want to sleep, there is practically nothing that can prevent you from doing so. As soon as you settle into a more or less comfortable position, your eyes close by themselves, and your brain stops perceiving the vast majority of external stimuli.

However, some people find it very difficult to fall asleep because of their hypersensitivity to light. A special sleep mask can be a way out of this situation. Is it possible to do without it? Undoubtedly, but in some situations, it is a great help in getting a good night’s sleep:

before an important business meeting;
during a trip or flight;
during the day.

A special endocrine gland, the pineal gland, is responsible for regulating the rhythm of sleep and wakefulness in the human body. By releasing melatonin, this organ tells our body to rest at night.

If you are trying to sleep in a place with high light and you do not have a sleep mask at hand, the pineal gland inhibits the production of the necessary hormone. This leads to

to the appearance of certain difficulties with falling asleep;
disruption of the usual rhythms of sleep and wakefulness;
accelerated wear and tear of all body tissues;
weakening of the immune system.

That’s why, in situations where perfect blackout cannot be achieved, you should always have a special lightproof bandage or a complete set for comfortable sleep consisting of a mask and earplugs at hand.
The main functions of a sleep mask

It would seem that what tasks, besides reducing the level of illumination, can a