Sleep masks: how to use them for the ultimate beauty sleep

We all say we want restful sleep. We try herbal teas, blackout curtains, and breathing apps. But the truth is, most of us are still waking up groggy, puffy, and slightly annoyed that another night slipped by without real rest.

A sleeping mask isn't a miracle product, but a small, overlooked tool that actually works. It's simple, non-invasive, and doesn't involve taking anything or buying a new mattress. You just wear it and that's it. But it only helps if you actually use it right. Tossing it on randomly or saving it for long-haul flights won't do. Here's how to properly use one to enjoy the full sleep mask benefits.

1. Block out the light

Most people think of sleep masks as airplane accessories. But they're actually one of the easiest ways to create complete darkness in your bedroom. And darkness matters.

Darkness naturally signals to your body that it's time to wind down. Even with your eyes closed, light can be distracting and make falling asleep feel harder. A mask with strong light-blocking capabilities helps filter out household lamps, sunrise peeking through thin curtains, or even the glow of streetlights.

When you block out those interruptions, your body can settle into the night more easily. That extra consistency can make your nighttime environment feel calmer and contribute to a more restful experience over time.

2. Make it part of your routine

A sleep mask isn't a last-minute fix. If you only grab it when your partner's reading next to you or when hotel curtains are thin, it won't have much of an effect.

The real power comes from consistency. Wearing your mask nightly can turn it into part of your night routine, a simple cue that says it's time for rest. Over time, that habit makes winding down easier, even on nights when stress lingers.

The goal isn't perfection, but repetition. Creating a nightly ritual—mask on, lights out, a few deep breaths—can encourage the calm that leads to a good night's rest.

3. Go for comfort over cuteness

There are endless designs out there, from cartoon prints to oversized novelty masks. Cute, sure, but many don't hold up. Thin elastic bands dig in, rough fabrics cause skin irritation, and cheap stitching wears out fast.

Instead, choose a mask that feels comfortable on your skin and stays in place while you sleep. A silk eye mask is ideal if you have sensitive skin and is less likely to leave pillow creases. Silk is smooth, breathable, and doesn't drag on delicate facial skin the way cotton or synthetic fabrics can.

If you have lash extensions or just longer lashes, an eyelash protecting mask can give your eyes a bit more room to blink and settle.

4. Pair it with other sleep-friendly habits

A sleep mask won't erase a late-night doomscrolling habit. But it can work alongside other calming rituals to help you get closer to a restful night's sleep:

• Put away your phone 30 minutes before bed

• Wash your face (your skin will thank you)

• Sip something warm if that helps

• Slip on your mask

• Breathe. Really breathe.

You don't need a 10-step routine. Combining your mask with a few screen-free rituals can set the stage for a better night's sleep, one that feels more like the uninterrupted beauty sleep you've been missing.

How rest supports your skin

There's a lot of hype around "beauty sleep," but there's also some truth in it. When you sleep well, your skin often looks fresher: puffiness can ease, and your complexion may appear brighter. On the other hand, poor sleep quality often shows up quickly, with dryness, dullness, or tired-looking eyes.

The connection isn't about miracle fixes, but about giving your body the time it needs to recharge. Better rest can feel gentler on your skin, with fewer lines, and a complexion that feels closer to restorative sleep than exhaustion.

Consistency beats perfection

Like most habits, it's not about doing everything at once. Start by wearing your mask every night for a week. Even if nothing else changes, building this one habit can help you move away from poor sleep quality and toward a routine that feels more stable.

Drowsy's silk eye masks are designed for total blackout comfort—smooth against delicate skin, padded enough to stay in place, and gentle enough to wear nightly. That combination of softness and structure is what helps turn a simple accessory into something you actually look forward to wearing.