Do Sleep Masks Really Work?

We get it you’ve done everything to improve your sleep. You’ve got blackout curtains, reduced your screen time, and still… the tiniest of light sneaks in and it literally throws off your bed.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. For many Aussies and (our Kiwi Cousins), poor sleep and blue light exposure go hand in hand.

So, what’s the solution? A sleep mask? Yeah right… or actually, nah yeah, That could work.

Before you dismiss a sleep mask as another gimmick, let’s break down what science actually says.

The Role of Darkness in Sleep

One of the biggest factors in good sleep is how light affects your circadian rhythm. When it gets dark, your body starts producing melatonin, a hormone that makes you feel sleepy. But when you’re exposed to light (yes, even dim light), melatonin production drops, and your body thinks it’s still daytime.

As Gooley et al. found in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, “exposure to room light before bedtime suppresses melatonin onset and shortens melatonin duration in humans.

And you know what? The numbers don’t lie…

By reducing light exposure before bedtime you could: 

• Fall asleep up to 15 minutes faster
• Increase REM sleep by up to 10%
• Wake up fewer times during the night

A review in Frontiers in Public Health found sleep masks significantly improved sleep quality and reduced night-time wakefulness. Even low light during sleep has been shown to elevate stress hormone levels and reduce sleep efficiency.

So, wait hold up, who Really Needs a Sleep Mask?

Sleep masks can help just about anyone but for some of us, they’re a game-changer. Here’s who benefits most:

• Shift Workers: Whether you’re on the graveyard shift or early mornings, you’re doing the hard yards and you deserve real proper rest. Blocking out sunlight during the day helps boost melatonin and shuts out the distractions that keep you wide-awake when you’re meant to be winding down.
• Frequent Travelers: Jet lag, hotel lights, airport lounges... if you're constantly on the move, whether you're a pilot, entrepreneur, or travel vlogger, routine is so essential. A sleep mask brings blackout consistency wherever you land, helping your body catch up no matter which time zone you’ve dropped into.
• Light-Sensitive Sleepers: Not everyone can tune out that blinking charger or the glow of a streetlight. If even the slightest bit of light keeps you up, we see you and so does the sleep mask that blocks it all out.
• Bedroom Sharers & Dorm Dwellers: Partner scrolling TikTok? Roommate with a bedside lamp obsession? Flatmate who thinks 1am is a great time for laundry? A true blackout mask is your peacemaker, letting you sleep through the trenches like an actual pro.

Is It Just a Gimmick?

Nope. While it might seem too simple to be effective, the science says otherwise. Blocking out light helps your brain produce melatonin. Do it nightly, and your mask becomes your body’s signal that it’s time to shut down.

Not All Masks Are Equal

Fit, material, and shape matter. Cheap masks often let in light or leave marks on your face. The good ones? They do it right:

• Total blackout
• Large, pressure-free eye contours
• Soft, breathable memory foam—like a pillow for your eyes

Not sure what to pick? Check out our guide to find the best mask for your sleep style.

Any Downsides?

A few things to note:

• Comfort issues: If you're new to sleep masks, it may take a night or two to get used to especially if you're a side sleeper.
• Skin irritation: Synthetic materials can bother sensitive skin, so always check the fabric if you have allergies.
• Adjustment period: It might feel odd at first to have something on your face.
• Limited scope: They block light not noise, temperature, or medical sleep issues.

The Bottom Line

Yes, sleep masks work. And science agrees. By blocking light and supporting melatonin, they help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling more refreshed.

They’re simple, low-cost, and often surprisingly effective.

Why We Made the Dreamy Sounds Sleep Mask

We took it a step further. The Dreamy Sounds Sleep Mask gives you total blackout and built-in sound white noise, meditation, audiobooks, music and yes of course  youtube. It’s not just a mask, it’s your personalised dream machine. 

Mask on. Sound on. Drift off.