Sleep masks

If you're really struggling with getting a good night's sleep, there are plenty of other sleep aids out there that might help, like melatonin or chamomile tea. Just be careful not to rely too heavily on sleep aids, as they can become habit-forming. Some other tips for better sleep are to stick to a regular sleep schedule, avoid screens for an hour or two before bed, and make sure your sleep environment is comfortable and relaxing. And if all else fails, just remember that a good old-fashioned glass of warm milk can do wonders!

Sorry to hear you're having trouble getting used to your sleep mask, but don't worry - it's totally normal! It can take a bit of time to get used to having something on your face while you're trying to sleep.

I used to have a cheap material one, was ok, but found it was staining my pillow! It was ok but didn't like it pushing on my eyelashes.

I then bought one of those shaped foam ones which is better as it has the 'cutouts' for each eye but it's cut slightly too high for me so if I have It over my eyes in the right place, it pinches my nose slightly and I hate that. It also doesn't create a good seal over the nose and light gets in. Also, the straps are thin and slip down and cut into my ears a little.

I've just bought a Unimi Bluetooth headband that's like almost velvet material. The seal is great as there's extra material around the nose but it is quite warm. The strap is good so no problems there, but the slim headphones do move a little (I can probably fix that and may well do to increase the side padding around them), it's not totally uncomfortable to sleep on my side in them but you can feel the headphones.

Overall it took me a week or two to get used to wearing a mask and before the Bluetooth one, I just had it on my bedside to put on when it started to get light as I'd usually wake up for the bathroom.

A few nights, now I actually need it to sleep

I got used to them on naps, laying down on the sofa for 15-20 minutes when I didn’t have any pressure to actually fall sleep. That made adaptation on using them by bedtime much faster.

I believe it took me quite a few days -- about a week, if I remember correctly (and yes, my sleep quality and dream recall did suffer initially). This is probably one of those things that are different for everyone, but I'd say stick with it! You will get used to it eventually.