Recently, a product called Gravity Eye Mask has quickly become popular on major e-commerce platforms, becoming a sought after "sleep aid" among many consumers. Some merchants claim that this 250 gram gravity eye mask can accurately press acupoints such as Jingming and Yintang, helping people fall asleep faster and better. So, what is the core principle of gravity goggles? The reporter from Science and Technology Daily interviewed relevant experts on this matter. The core principle is not acupoint pressing. On e-commerce platforms, many businesses advertise with slogans such as "precise acupoint pressing" to attract consumers to purchase gravity eye masks. Many consumers have reported that using gravity eye masks seems to increase their sleep speed and improve their sleep quality to a certain extent. However, some consumers have expressed that its sleep aid effect is not significant, and some even feel uncomfortable after use. In the opinion of Jie Xiaobin, chief ophthalmologist at Beijing Century Altar Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University, the "precise acupoint pressing" promoted by businesses is mostly a marketing slogan, and the sleep aid principle of gravity eye masks is not acupoint pressing. The weight of 250 grams is distributed throughout the entire eye area, and the stimulation pressure on a single acupoint is very limited. ”Xie Xiaobin said that at the same time, there are differences in the facial bones and acupoint positions of each person, and gravity eye masks cannot accurately press each person's acupoints. Since gravity eye masks do not rely on acupressure to aid sleep, why do consumers still feel that their sleep quality has improved after use? The sleep aid principle of gravity eye masks is similar to that of popular sleep aid products such as gravity blankets in recent years, which stimulate the body's spontaneous perceptual meridian response through uniform and continuous pressure stimulation. ”Xie Xiaobin explained that this kind of stress can stimulate the secretion of relaxing and calming hormones such as oxytocin in the body, while reducing the level of stress hormones, thereby helping the nervous system switch from the sympathetic mode of "fight or escape" to the parasympathetic mode of "rest and digestion", which has a positive significance in relieving anxiety and relaxing the body and mind. However, not everyone has a positive response to stress stimuli, and some people may feel oppressed, restrained, or even suffocated when using gravity goggles. The weight of 250 grams of a gravity eye mask may be too heavy for some people, which can cause facial discomfort, pressure on the eyes, or affect turning over, thereby interfering with sleep. This is why some people may feel uncomfortable after using it, "said Jie Xiaobin. Gravity eye masks are not effective for everyone. In addition to the pressure stimuli mentioned above, they can also block light, create dark environments, and promote the natural secretion of melatonin, just like regular eye masks. ”Xie Xiaobin said. At the same time, putting on the eye mask itself is a strong psychological suggestion of "it's time to sleep now", which helps establish sleep conditioning reflex. In addition, for people who are sensitive to light, gravity eye masks can effectively prevent light interference in the morning or night, ensuring continuity of sleep. So, can gravity goggles be replaced? It can be completely replaced. ”Jie Xiaobin said that you can fold a soft towel and cover it over your eyes, then gently place your arm on top of it to simulate a gentle pressure sensation similar to a gravity eye mask. The gravity eye mask has a certain auxiliary effect on accelerating sleep and improving sleep quality, but it is not effective for everyone, and its effect should not be overly amplified. Xie Xiaobin added that if sleep disorders are caused by pathological factors such as sleep apnea, psychological factors such as severe anxiety and depression, or environmental factors such as noise and uncomfortable mattresses, wearing a gravity eye mask cannot solve them. Improving sleep requires scientific methods. Xie Xiaobin emphasized that for those who truly have difficulty falling asleep, a more reliable method is to make scientific comprehensive adjustments from three aspects: cognition, behavior, and environment. At the cognitive level, attention should be paid to regulating psychological cognitive states. Many people find it difficult to fall asleep because their thoughts are wandering and they are troubled by various troubles and worries. "Jie Xiaobin suggests that it is worth spending 10 minutes before bedtime to write down a" list of troubles "and tomorrow's" to-do list ", clearing out the" clutter "in the brain, reducing psychological burden, making the body and mind more relaxed, and creating a good psychological condition for falling asleep. At the behavioral level, Jie Xiaobin believes that "sleeping faster and better" is a process that requires systematic preparation, rather than an instantaneous action. For example, establishing a fixed sleep schedule and setting a precise "sleep clock" for the body; Create a "shutdown" ceremony, stay away from Blu ray devices about 60 minutes before bedtime, and start relaxing activities such as reading paper books, listening to light music, and meditation; Adhere to the principle of "not getting tired, not going to bed" and establish a strong correlation between "bed=sleep". If there is still no drowsiness after 20 to 30 minutes of going to bed, you can get up and engage in relaxation activities until you feel tired before returning to bed. At the environmental level, it is important to pay attention to creating a sleeping environment. Xie Xiaobin introduced that keeping the bedroom quiet, dark, and cool, using blackout curtains to block external light, and using earplugs to reduce noise interference are all feasible ways. In addition, choosing comfortable mattresses and pillows ensures that all parts of the body receive good support, while reducing body pressure and providing environmental protection for high-quality sleep. Xie Xiaobin suggests that for individuals with severe sleep difficulties, scientific methods such as stimulation control therapy, sleep restriction therapy, and relaxation therapy can be used under the guidance of professionals to improve sleep. (New Society)