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Did you know that a simple sleep hack can help unlock your brain's full potential? Sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being, and it's no secret that a good night's rest can help us function better during the day.
According to a recent study, using this effortless technique could aid in accessing greater cognitive abilities.
Study says how sleep masks are potential sleep hacks
A study published in The Sleep Journal suggests that if you struggle with feeling rested after sleeping, using an eye mask could be a potential sleep hack. The researchers discovered that by blocking out as much light as possible, the sleeper's alertness was enhanced the following day.
Potential sources of ambient light that could be affecting sleep include electronics, sunlight, and street lamps. The study involved 124 volunteers from an age group of 18-35, who were asked to wear eye masks for several nights, followed by the same number of nights without a mask.
The participants kept sleep diaries to record their experiences and completed the study at home, ensuring that the results reflected real-life sleep scenarios.
After the trials, participants underwent three different tests to assess their cognitive abilities and reaction time after waking up. The results showed that during the week when they wore eye masks, they performed better on these exercises, therefore, stating them as a sleep hack. However, the eye masks had no impact on a third test that evaluated motor-skill learning.
Additionally, the study found no significant difference in the quantity or quality of sleep between those who wore eye masks and those who did not. The positive effects of eye masks were only observed on next-day grogginess.
According to Viviana Greco, a PhD candidate in Cardiff and the study's author, wearing an eye mask could be a cost-effective solution to enhancing alertness and work performance. She stated that the study's outcomes are particularly significant for tasks that require learning, education, or cultural contexts, such as driving a car
The researchers' hypothesis was that wearing eye masks worked as a sleep hack and aided in increasing the amount of time that sleepers spent in the deepest stages of sleep, commonly known as slow-wave sleep. This stage is thought to be crucial for consolidating memories and processing new information.
Researchers pointed out that eye masks might be some of the best sleep hacks, especially beneficial during the summer months when the sun rises as early as 4 am.
Greco, who initiated the study, stated that as sleep scientists, they recognize the significance of obtaining sufficient sleep, and waking up at 4 am every day was not optimal. She was motivated to conduct the study after relocating to a residence without window shutters.
Why sleep is important
Sleep is vital for our general health and wellness, serving as a recurring state of rest for both the body and mind. It is during sleep that the body carries out numerous restorative processes that are critical for optimal functioning.
Physical Restoration: Sleep helps the body repair and regenerate cells and tissues, including muscles and bones. This is why getting enough sleep is crucial for athletes and people who engage in physical activities.
Mental Restoration: Sleep plays a critical role in cognitive processes, including memory consolidation, learning, and problem-solving. During sleep, the brain processes and consolidates new information, which is essential for optimal brain function.
Emotional Regulation: Lack of sleep can impact mood and emotional regulation, leading to irritability, anxiety, and depression. Adequate sleep is necessary for emotional stability and overall mental health.
Hormonal Regulation: Sleep regulates the production of various hormones, including cortisol, melatonin, and growth hormones. These hormones are essential for maintaining proper metabolism, growth, and overall health.
Immune System Function: Sleep is essential for proper immune system function. During sleep, the body produces cytokines, which are essential for fighting off infections and inflammation.
This study provides evidence that using an eye mask to block out ambient light can help enhance cognitive abilities and alertness the following day. It's a simple and effortless sleep hack that could potentially unlock your brain's full potential.
So the next time you find yourself struggling with grogginess or lack of alertness, try using the mentioned sleep hack and see if it makes a difference.
