Article: Managing seasonal affective disorder (SAD) with sleep masks

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Managing seasonal affective disorder (SAD) with sleep masks

Ah, winter. The season of hot cocoa, knitted sweaters, and long nights. Sounds delightful, right? But for many of us, the colder months also bring a less-than-welcome visitor: Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, which is basically the winter blues with an attitude.

If you've ever felt like you're one cloudy day away from wrapping yourself in a blanket and refusing to emerge until spring, you're not alone. While many people turn to bright light therapy or a mental health professional to fight off the gloom, there's a surprisingly simple (and comfortable) tool that can help—a sleep mask.

What exactly is SAD?

In case you're not familiar, SAD is a type of depression that occurs at certain times of the year, usually in fall and winter when daylight hours are shorter. The lack of natural light messes with our internal clock, also known as circadian rhythm, leading to a drop in serotonin (the "happy" hormone) and an increase in melatonin (the "sleepy" hormone).

In other words, your body gets confused and starts acting like a bear preparing for hibernation. Symptoms of SAD can include everything from feeling sluggish and irritable to sleeping more than usual and still feeling tired. It's like your body is in a permanent 'Do Not Disturb' mode.

The sleep-SAD connection

When you think about SAD, you might not immediately link it to your sleep patterns. However, poor sleep and low mood tend to go hand in hand, especially during the darker months of the year. Part of this issue stems from the disruption in your body's natural rhythms.

The lack of daylight throws off your circadian clock, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. That's where the sleep mask comes in: to help create a completely dark environment that encourages your body to fall asleep more easily.

How sleep masks can help

To fight SAD symptoms, you don't need a light therapy box or a mental health provider. Here are some of the sleep mask benefits:

Blocks out unwanted light: Even small amounts of ambient light, whether from street lamps, electronics, or natural sunlight, can trick your brain into staying more alert than it should be. A sleep mask creates total darkness, signaling to the brain that it's time to rest. This makes it easier to fall into deep, uninterrupted sleep—a crucial element when dealing with seasonal depression.
Reduces sleep disruptions: Even minor sleep interruptions can have a big impact on people with SAD. Things like early morning light or stray glow from electronic devices can disturb sleep cycles, preventing you from getting the full rest your body needs. A sleep mask eliminates these distractions, allowing you to stay in deep sleep longer. This is especially important when your body is already feeling worn down by the emotional and physical toll of SAD.
Increases overall restfulness: Deep, restorative sleep is essential for mental and physical health, but SAD can make it harder to achieve.By helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, a sleep mask improves the quality of your rest, ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed. This added restfulness helps your body combat the fatigue, low energy, and emotional imbalance that often accompany SAD, making the winter months more manageable.

Tips for getting the most out of your sleep mask

While sleep masks are a fantastic tool, they work best when combined with other healthy habits. Here are some tips to make the most out of them:

Create a cozy sleep environment: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Combine your sleep mask with blackout curtains and earplugs to block out any distractions.
Establish a soothing bedtime routine: Unwind with calming activities such as reading, meditating, or enjoying a warm bath. Avoid screen time at least half an hour before bed.
Use it consistently: Make the sleep mask part of your nightly routine. Wearing it regularly helps your body adapt and signals bedtime.
Combine with aromatherapy: Pair your sleep mask with relaxing scents like lavender to enhance your sleep quality and ease anxiety. We recommend lighting the Drowsy candle and spritzing your pillow with some drops of the Drowsy Sleep S.O.S Pillow Spray for the ultimate comfy vibes.

Treat SAD with Drowsy sleep masks

If you're feeling sad or experiencing mood disorders, there's no need to resort to very bright light boxes. The solution lies in a much simpler and more accessible item: sleep masks. So, the next time winter rolls around and SAD starts creeping up on you, don't just reach for the nearest blanket and call it a day. Instead, grab a sleep mask and give your body the rest it needs to fight back against those winter blues.

At Drowsy, we can help you with that. Our sleep masks are designed from premium 22 momme mulberry silk with cloud-like padding that feels like a warm hug against the face. With a total blackout design, 100% washability, and a fully adjustable head strap, it's your ally to get a good night's rest and wake up feeling refreshed. Choose your favorite among 18 sensual colors, like the icy-sleek Royal Blue or the dreamy White Akoya Pearl, and say goodbye to groggy mornings!