5 Ways a Sleep Mask Can Help You Avoid Burnout and Boost Productivity

Photo by @dayinmydreams

Sleep is essential for our bodies and minds to function properly. It is during sleep that our bodies repair and regenerate, and our brains consolidate memories and process emotions. Unfortunately, many of us struggle to get enough sleep, whether it's because of a busy schedule, stress, or an underlying medical condition.

One tool that can help improve our sleep is the sleep mask. Sleep masks, also known as eye masks, are typically made of soft, lightweight fabric and designed to fit snugly over the eyes. They block out light and create a dark, relaxing environment that can help us fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

But how exactly do sleep masks help with our sleep and energy, and how can they prevent burnout? To answer these questions, we spoke with Michael D. Levitt, the chief burnout officer of the Breakfast Leadership Network and an expert on burnout prevention and recovery.

Blocks disruptive light

According to Levitt, sleep masks are a simple but effective way to improve the quality and quantity of our sleep. "Light is a major disruptor of sleep," he says. "Our bodies are wired to be awake when it's light and asleep when it's dark. So, if there's any light in our sleeping environment, whether it's from streetlights, electronics, or even a crack in the curtains, our brains may think it's time to be awake."

This can lead to difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and a feeling of fatigue and grogginess in the morning. By blocking out light with a sleep mask, we create a dark, quiet, and comfortable sleeping environment that promotes relaxation and restful sleep.

Helps with irregular work shifts

Levitt also points out that sleep masks can be especially helpful for people who work irregular or overnight shifts. "If you're sleeping during the day, there's a good chance that sunlight or other sources of light are going to disrupt your sleep," he says. "A sleep mask can help you create a dark and quiet environment that mimics nighttime and promotes restful sleep, no matter what time of day it is."

Restores energy

But how does better sleep translate into improved energy and burnout prevention? According to Levitt, the answer lies in the restorative power of sleep. "When we sleep, our bodies and minds are hard at work repairing and regenerating," he says. "Our immune system is strengthened, our muscles and tissues are repaired, and our brains consolidate memories and process emotions."

Without enough sleep, our bodies and minds are unable to fully recover from the stresses of daily life, leading to feelings of fatigue, irritability, and burnout. By improving the quality and quantity of our sleep with tools like sleep masks, we give our bodies and minds the rest they need to function at their best.

Addresses stress and anxiety

Levitt also notes that sleep masks can be a helpful tool for managing stress and anxiety, which are major contributors to burnout. "When we're stressed or anxious, it's easy for our minds to get caught up in negative thoughts and worries," he says. "A sleep mask can help create a calming and peaceful environment that promotes relaxation and reduces stress."

In fact, a study published in the journal Sleep and Biological Rhythms found that wearing a sleep mask reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the saliva of study participants, suggesting that sleep masks may have a beneficial effect on stress levels.

Prevents burnout

Of course, sleep masks are just one tool in the toolkit for preventing burnout and improving our energy levels. Levitt emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to burnout prevention, which includes healthy sleep habits, regular exercise, mindfulness, and meditation practices, and time management strategies.

But for those struggling to get enough sleep, a sleep mask can be a simple but effective way to improve sleep quality and quantity, reduce stress, and prevent burnout. Levitt recommends the Manta Sleep Mask.

This mask is designed to block 100% of light, creating a completely dark and peaceful sleeping environment. It is made with soft, breathable, and adjustable fabric that fits snugly over the eyes without putting pressure on them. With its innovative modular design, the Manta Sleep Mask is also customizable to fit different head sizes and shapes, making it a comfortable and effective solution for improving sleep quality and preventing burnout.