After lengthy careers in academia, health and fitness, and product development, it was critical to us that the SOMO Sleep Fitness mask was backed by science.
While we're constantly seeing more and more research demonstrating the interaction between acupressure, sleep masks, and sleep, here are a few of our favorite articles:
Acupuncture or Acupressure on Yintang (EX-HN 3) for Anxiety: A Preliminary Review | Med Acupunct | PubMed
In this broad analysis of existing clinical studies, researchers discovered that the use of acupuncture or acupressure on the Yintang (EX-HN 3) acupoint led to a significant reduction in self-reported anxiety among the study population.
Self-acupressure for Sleep and Relaxation | Dana-Farber Zakim Center, Remote Programming
In this video produced at the Dana-Farber Zakim Center, Anne Drogin, M.Div., M.Ac., Lic.Ac., Dipl. (NCCAOM) demonstrates how to identify and stimulate certain pressure points on the body that can calm the nervous system, promote relaxation, and induce sleep. Emphasis is placed on the Yin Tang acupressure point.
Pressure points to help you fall asleep | Medical News Today
This article in Medical News Today discusses acupressure therapy and its potential benefits for improving sleep. The article highlights several specific pressure points, including the Yin Tang, and references numerous studies suggesting that acupressure on these points may improve sleep quality and address insomnia-related issues.
Acupuncture vs Acupressure | Forbes Health
In this article, the Forbes Health team discusses the diverse benefits of acupuncture and acupressure, including an emphasis on the link between acupressure and relief from insomnia.
Effects of earplugs and eye masks on nocturnal sleep, melatonin and cortisol in a simulated intensive care unit environment | Crit Care | PubMed
In this study, the use of earplugs and eye masks resulted in more REM sleep, shorter REM latency, reduced arousal, and elevated melatonin levels. Based on these findings, the study suggests that promoting the use of earplugs and eye masks can improve sleep quality and hormone balance.
Wearing an eye mask during overnight sleep improves cognitive function and alertness | Sleep
This recent study investigated the effects of wearing an eye mask, also known as a sleep masks, during overnight sleep on memory and alertness. Results suggest that wearing an eye mask during sleep can both enhance cognitive function and improve alertness the following day.
The authors investigated the sleep habits and academic achievement in first-year college students across three universities. They concluded that each hour of additional nightly sleep, early in the semester, resulted in significant end-of-term GPA scores.
Pregnant? Reach for your sleep mask to improve your sleep quality | Sleep
From the journal Sleep, a group of 105 women, 34 - 36 weeks pregnant, achieved higher scores on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index than those receiving only information about sleep hygiene. Their conclusion; wearing sleep masks significantly improve sleep quality in pregnant women.
