Sleeping masks and other aids help people get more sleep and get a better quality of sleep. They block out light and noise, increasing the amount of REM time they have and promoting sleep and hormone balance.
Any artificial light interrupts normal sleep patterns. Blue light suppresses the production of the sleep hormone melatonin more than other types of light. Blue light comes from TVs, smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices. Trying to go to sleep beside someone who has the TV going can prevent your body from producing melatonin. The body needs this hormone to prepare for sleep. Wearing a sleeping mask prevents your eyes from detecting light so it doesn’t interfere with the sleep cycle.