Talking about sensory overload

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Talking about sensory overload. Have any of you tried sleep masks? I tried because I kept waking up very early. The trouble was I was very aware of the feel of the mask on my face and really struggled not to be constantly aware of it as I was trying to get off to sleep. After a few nights I gave up using it.

They suck. I tried years ago before I realized I really needed earplugs. I also try to keep the bedroom pretty dark. Tight and/or heavy blankets help too.

What makes you get up early? Do you notice a cycle? All the socializing/sensory endurance of a work week wipes me out by Thursday, and I always tend to get up an hour or two early on Thursdays. I think trying to keep a routine, as much as one can, helps with regular sleep, too.

When I tried the sleep mask it was when it was getting light I woke up. My curtains then weren't very good. However now I have much heavier curtains and it's winter and I'm still waking early.


I'm in a catch22 with sleep. I go to bed quite late ie usually quite a bit after 12. Then seem to experience what I think is called initial insomnia. This results in my sleeping during the day for about 90 minutes once or twice a day. It seems to be a vicious cycle .

I hate them. I usually just sleep with a heavy blanket cover my whole body. Not only does it block out light but it's a good pressure stim for me.

Hmmmm....I like my sleep mask. I will only use one kind though. It looks like the pic below. It's a soft satin material. It has adjustable velcro on the back. the thing I like about it is that it not only blocks out all light, but it goes over my ears and reduces sound. I won't wear earplugs to bed because they would be uncomfortable and then I wouldn't be able to hear anything. I'm a very light sleeper and I need to still be able to hear things that "go bump in the night". The other thing I like about the sleep mask I've used for years is that it also keeps my head warm when it's winter time. Also, since it's adjustable, on the occasions when I have a migraine, it feels good to really tighten it on my head. I don't know why that feels good, but it does.