Getting a good night’s sleep is vital, especially if you have a big day ahead. The same can be said for people who work night shifts — trying to sleep during the day can be an exercise in frustration. That’s why a great sleep mask can be worth its weight in gold, and it’s money well spent. A recent CNET survey found that 6 in 10 US adults would be willing to spend money to sleep better — on average, they said they’d spend almost $1,000 a year to do it. Picking up a sleep mask won’t set you back anywhere near that much, but they aren’t all created equal. There are different materials and styles to choose from, and some are even weighted to help you get to sleep more easily. But don’t worry, we’ve tested all of the best so you know exactly which one is right for you.
Benefits of wearing sleep masks
Light exposure before bedtime (even blue light from screens) can hinder your melatonin production. Without enough melatonin, it’s harder for your brain to tell your body to go to sleep — often causing insomnia. With the aid of a sleep mask, a study found that participants spent more time in REM sleep due to limited light exposure. Blocking out the light at night can also help keep your circadian rhythm in check.
If scrolling on your phone while lying in bed is tempting, a sleep mask can lessen those distractions. When used as part of your nightly routine, it helps to create a conditioned response in your brain that signals it’s time to sleep when you put it on.
We’ve curated this list based on market research and reviews of some of the best sleep masks currently available, from a weighted sleep mask that acts like a weighted blanket for your face to an eye mask for side sleepers. Keep reading to find the best sleep mask for you.
Best overall sleep mask
Certain sleep masks offer additional benefits, and that’s where the Drowsy Lavender Haze Sleep Mask comes in. Chosen as our best overall sleep mask, the Drowsy Sleep Mask has a soft and durable design of 100% mulberry silk. The silk mask also acts as a barrier between your skin and the bacteria on your pillowcase. This can help prevent unwanted breakouts and keep your skin from drying out, which, in turn, helps to prevent wrinkles and fine lines over the long run.
Best sleep masks of 2025
The best kind of sleep mask is the one that works best for you. There are sleep masks that help block out light and noise or some that just block out light. You can even find a sleep mask that won’t touch your eyes but still block out light. Sleep masks come in memory foam, silk or cotton materials. Take into consideration price and quality.
Some sleep masks can get caught in your hair, especially if they have velcro straps. In addition, some people don’t like the feeling of fabric covering their eyes. They can also cause dry eyes or possible damage to your eyelashes.
