Sleep Mask Linked to Improved Slumber Metrics

Acupressure-equipped eye mask lengthened users’ “core” sleep and total nightly sleep without cutting into deep or REM stages, early data show

According to Philips’ annual sleep survey, more than 60% of people report sleeping only somewhat well or not well at all. In the U.S., an estimated 70 million adults suffer from chronic sleep disorders — an issue with serious implications for recovery, performance, and long-term health.

Now, data from Somo Sleep Fitness suggests a non-pharmaceutical intervention. In a recent case study, use of the Somo sleep mask, equipped with a patent-pending acupressure feature, led to a 22.6% increase in light (“core”) sleep and a 13.8% increase in total sleep time, without disrupting deep or REM cycles.

The mask, designed to manage both light and stress, uses gentle pressure on the Yin Tang acupoint to help users relax and stay asleep longer. Athletech News spoke with Paul Juris, Somo co-founder and president, to learn more about how this tool supports recovery, improves sleep quality and may offer fitness professionals a measurable ROI when used with clients.

Athletech News (ATN): The case study showed an increase in core (light) sleep when using the mask. Why is extending light sleep critical for fitness clients, even if deep/REM sleep stays the same? 

Paul Juris (PJ): Sleep stages 1 and 2, or light sleep (Apple Health uses the term “core sleep”), are essential, although not traditionally associated with the recuperative effects of REM and deep sleep. It’s during light sleep that brain activity slows, muscles relax, heart rate becomes more regular and the body prepares itself to enter deeper sleep. By extending light sleep, the body is more relaxed and receptive to the changes that occur during deep and REM sleep, enhancing physical, cognitive and emotional recovery.

ATN: Respiration rate dropped with mask use — a sign of relaxation. For time-crunched clients, how does this stress reduction impact their ability to avoid burnout?

ATN: The mask increased total sleep without sacrificing deep/REM sleep. How does this differ from other sleep aids that might alter sleep architecture?

PJ: In a review of sleep interventions (Bonnar et al., 2018), it was determined that sleep extension — increasing total sleep duration — had the most beneficial effects on athletic recovery and performance. Deep and REM sleep are critical to sport-specific skill execution, sustained maximal output, muscular and aerobic power, decision-making, fine motor control and reaction and response times. But if sleep extension comes at the expense of REM or deep sleep, then the effects on athletic recovery and performance may be negative.

Other sleep aids, like traditional masks or blinds, may block light, but they don’t necessarily influence stress or target stages 1 and 2 sleep. Supplements can alter specific sleep architecture but often come with significant side effects that, in the long run, are detrimental to performance. The Somo mask is a natural sleep aid that preserves normal circadian function and reduces stress using acupressure, without any harmful side effects.

ATN: The subject prioritized sleep quality over quantity due to his busy schedule. What’s one habit fitness pros can teach clients to replicate his results (e.g., pairing the mask with wind-down routines)?

PJ: When sleep duration is challenged by busy schedules, the focus should be on the quality of sleep — and that starts with stress reduction. A study by Hamlin and colleagues (2021) revealed that those who reduced stress and achieved quality sleep were less prone to injury and had improved training sessions and performance outcomes.

A sound, consistent bedtime routine is essential to effective sleep hygiene. Integrating the Somo mask into breathing, stretching or other relaxation techniques will further enhance the process and induce better sleep. Additionally, the mask can be used during daily power naps, which are known to deliver cognitive and physical benefits.

See Also

Multi-Unit Fitness Franchise Owner Shares Her Tips for Success

ATN: The case study positions the mask as a tool to “support recuperative deeper sleep” through improved light sleep. Where do you see acupressure fitting into holistic recovery programs?

 PJ: This is an interesting question. A primary characteristic of sleep is that it’s cyclic — we pass from light to deep and then REM sleep in patterns that last roughly 90 minutes. Light sleep is essentially the transition between cycles, and it’s also the stage during which we’re most susceptible to waking. We think the relaxation-inducing effects of acupressure help keep people asleep during these transitions, which accounts for the increase in total sleep time and higher sleep quality.

 So, acupressure can be a highly effective modality. There are additional acupoints we’re investigating that not only create calm but also relax muscles, inhibit pain and increase mental focus. In this context, acupressure can be applied during stretching sessions and paired with recovery tools such as percussive devices, sequential compression sleeves, contrast therapies and mindfulness exercises.

ATN: If a gym wanted to pilot this with clients, what metrics would you track beyond sleep data (e.g., workout adherence, perceived fatigue) to demonstrate ROI?

PJ: Beyond sleep data, there are several objective and subjective measures gyms can track. Objectively, sessions per week (or month) are essential baseline values for any gym. If members use wearable devices, monitoring stress, heart rate, and heart rate variability can provide insights into overall readiness and tolerance to exercise. Of course, tracking short-, intermediate-, and long-term goal acquisition is a must.

Subjectively, perceived exertion and fatigue scales are very useful. And since sleep affects mood, visual analog mood scales (VAMS) reveal whether members are calm or tense, energetic or sleepy, and even happy or sad. All of these can be incorporated into a pilot program with members.