This $19 Luxury Upgrade Ended My Spring Sleep Struggles For Good – And It’s Not Blackout Curtains
I've since been enjoying deeper, more restorative rest since using this silky secret weapon
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After consistently waking up at 7 am during the week for work, I recently realised I had lost the ability to sleep in on the weekend, particularly after the spring shift of Daylight Saving Time earlier this month. Then I received a silky gift from my partner that restored my lazy weekends.
He got me a Mulberry Silk Sleep Mask from Amazon after hearing me complain about my loss of shuteye, and though I was skeptical, I decided to give it a go. Previously, I'd wake up at sunrise, having ripped cheaper masks off in the night.
To my surprise, I'm now sleeping better than ever before, and can finally enjoy a slow and easy late rises at the weekend with this luxurious but affordable way to block that early sunshine.
Article continues belowMy Silk Eye Mask Has Become the Key to Long Weekend Sleep Ins
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
This eye mask fits any head size (mine is pretty small) and is available in six colors. Mine's black, which is good for avoiding any lingering mascara stains and for the full blackout experience. It has thick but comfortable noise-cancelling straps.
Once my brain fully wakes up in the morning, even the best sleep hacks are futile. While on weekends, this means I often spend the morning leisurely reading my book in bed with a hot drink, the unwanted early rise can leave me feeling lethargic come the afternoon. That was until this Mulberry Silk Sleep Mask, available at Amazon, entered my life.
It wraps fully around my head and ears to block out all light and most sound (handy if your partner snores), and is so comfortable to sleep in, thanks to the luxuriously soft mulberry silk. It's also adjustable in size, and I haven't had any issues with it slipping or moving throughout the night, no matter which sleep position I'm in. This is made all the more impressive by the fact that, more often than not, I sleep on my side.
As it's made of silk, it also won't cause any skin irritation, helps to minimize wrinkles around your eyes, and features moisture-wicking properties to help keep cool in bed, even in summer. These are the same properties shared with my slip The Original Queen Pure Silk Pillow Case, available in 20 colors at Amazon, and together, they've become the dream spring sleep combination.
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Its uses aren't limited to use in bed, either. I'll be taking mine on long-haul flights to and from Japan this month, and it's also ideal if you suffer from migraines.
What Shoppers Say
It's no surprise, therefore, that verified shopper Karen gave the Mulberry Silk Sleep Mask, available at Amazon, the full five stars,
In her review, she explains, 'Very soft and comfortable! I am pleased with the quality. Stays on and blocks light better than the standard type. Also, is kinder to my hair than having one band across the back.'
Another 5-star write-up comes from verified purchaser Sevi, who calls it their 'go-to eye mask', adding: 'It efficiently blocks light without being too bulky or thick, which also keeps it from being too hot to wear during the summer. It's easy to wear, stays in place, and works. I've actually found mine does work to block out some noise, and in any case, it will help to keep your earplugs in place if you wear them.'
It would also make a lovely guest bedroom addition for a comfortable night's sleep, and, at just $19.99, it's an affordable luxury that's worth the spend for the benefit and comfort it brings.
Shop My Perfect Night's Sleep Edit
As Sleep Editor here at Homes & Gardens, I have the distinct privilege of testing and vetting an abundance of items to maximise my quality of rest.
Below, I have curated some of my favorite products for the ultimate night's sleep. From silk eye masks and pillowcases to an electronic diffuser to fill your bedroom with a serene scent, all of these picks are guaranteed to help you relax and drift off.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
You can't go wrong with this eye mask – silky, luxurious, blackout, and comfortable on your skin, hair, and ears. It's become my weapon of choice for weekend lie-ins and long-haul travel.
Natasha Rothwell loves this silk sleep mask; so much so that she bought 10 of them. It's award-winning, fully adjustable, and available in 15 different gorgeous colors and patterns.
If you're familiar with Oprah Winfrey's sleep hack, you'll know she swears by the Asutra silk eye pillow, and it's endorsed by Venus Williams, too. It's filled with lavender and flax, for the ultimate relaxation experience, and comes with a cooling insert.
I included this NEOM diffuser in my guide to the best essential oil diffusers, as my top pick for better sleep. It features a ‘Breathing Mode’ light, for a guided moment of calm before sleep, and timer settings for added safety.
I tested this pure silk pillowcase and absolutely adore it. Not only does it just feel like luxury to sleep on, but my hair's much softer and less tangled in the mornings, too, and I stay cooler overnight. Kristen Bell also loves her slip pillowcase.
Journaling before bed is proven to clear your mind and help you drift off. This one takes only five minutes to fill out, and will look tastefully stylish out on display on your bedside table.
It's not just sleep masks or no-drill blackout blinds that can help your pursuit of the ultimate shuteye. Our experts reveal that Japanese sleep secrets are the key to a serene sanctuary.
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Ottilie joined Homes & Gardens in 2024 as the News Writer on Solved, after finishing a Master's in Magazine Journalism at City, University of London. Now, as the Sleep Editor, she spends her days hunting deals and producing content on all things sleep – from mattresses and sheets to protectors and pillows, all of which she tests in her own home. She also has particular expertise in home fragrance, covering everything from candles to reed diffusers.
Previously, she has written for Livingetc and Motorsport Magazine, and also has a Master's degree in English Literature and History of Art from the University of Edinburgh, where she developed a love for inspiring interiors and architecture.