Over 64 million people in America say they sometimes have trouble getting to sleep at night.
It can be difficult to sleep in a bed away from home such as you might find in a hotel or an airplane.
A sleep mask may make it easier for you to fall asleep when you're in a strange area.
At night, the brain produces a chemical called melatonin which helps us to fall asleep.
A sleep mask, sometimes called an eye mask, can fool the brain into thinking that it is night time so you will have an easier time falling asleep.
You need darkness in order for your natural sleep cycle to occur.
Your eyes contain special receptors that tell your brain when the light levels begin to fall.
These signals cause your brain to convert serotonin, a chemical which helps you to stay alert, into melatonin, the chemical that allows you to relax and fall asleep.
If you are unable to reach the deep level of sleep where you experience Rapid Eye Movement, or REM, you will not be able to perform your best.
Regular sleep helps you to be more relaxed, boosts your immune system and keeps you clear headed and productive during the day.
The UC San Diego Medical Center issued a News Release on July 29, 2002 that stated that lack of sleep affects the patterns of chemical and electrical activity that occur during sleep which, in turn can result in the brain's being unable to function properly.
You need to sleep well at night in order to be able to be at your best the next day.
In addition to sleeping, eye masks create a dark and calming environment that the wearer might find useful when meditating or during visualization exercises.
Thee are many different kinds of eye masks on the market so it will be easy to find one that is comfortable to wear.
An ill-fitting eye mask will be uncomfortable even if it blocks out the light and you will not be able to relax and go to sleep.
Eye masks are available from retail stores or online at websites that can have them delivered to your home.
One of the most popular examples are Snoozers Sleep Masks.
Make sure you take the time to find the perfect mask that fits comfortably and blocks out all the light and have a good night's rest.