As a frequent traveler and busy mom juggling the chaos of life, I’ve always struggled with maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, especially during and after trips. Whether it’s adjusting to new time zones or trying to quiet my racing mind at home, staying asleep through the night has always been a challenge.
When I first heard about the Lumos Sleep Mask, I was intrigued by the technology that harnesses light therapy to regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Light therapy is all the rave these days so I was curious to give the mask a try.
The Science Behind Light Therapy
The Lumos Sleep Mask uses scientifically backed light therapy to influence your body’s circadian rhythm. (That’s the internal clock that tells you when to sleep and wake.)
What sets this mask apart is the science behind its light flashes. During sleep, the mask emits brief light pulses that penetrate your eyelids. Based on research from Stanford University, these light pulses have been shown to effectively shift your circadian clock. For travelers, this means tricking your brain into believing you’re in a different time zone, allowing you to adjust to a new sleep schedule.
Rather than requiring users to completely overhaul their sleep and daily routines before a trip, the mask is designed to work with your existing schedule. The light therapy programs are customized to align with your usual sleep patterns, making adjustments subtly and effectively without asking you to make inconvenient or unrealistic changes to your schedule.
It’s like having a tool that adapts to your life rather than the other way around.
The Lumos Smart Sleep Mask technology has been extensively tested and refined through collaborations with NASA, the US Department of Defense, and the National Science Foundation
Using the Lumos Sleep Mask to Combat Jet Lag
Let’s start with the travel perks because, for me, adjusting to a different time zone is one of the hardest parts of being on the go. That’s why having the Lumos sleep mask as your handy travel companion is a good idea.
The Lumos app that can be found in the App Store, it’s easy to navigate and makes preparing for a time zone change or potential jet lag a breeze! The app will ask you if you’re preparing for travel, from there it will walk you through a series of questions such as flight times, destinations, layovers etc.
What’s particularly helpful is that the light programs are designed to begin before your trip, allowing you to gradually adapt your body’s schedule before you even arrive at your destination. Just use the mask a night or two before your trip during your normal sleep schedule and it will do all the work!
This proactive approach minimizes the disruptive effects of jet lag, making the transition to a new time zone much smoother compared to using the mask as a reactive measure during or after travel.
The key here is following the app’s directions. One of our travel experts recently used the mask during her long flight. She posted a video of her experience here.
It’s also very easy to use and travel with. Unlike bulky sleep gadgets, the Lumos fits snugly in my carry-on and feels lightweight on my face.
At-Home Sleep Game-Changer
While I initially was excited to use the Lumos for travel, I quickly realized it’s just as effective at home. Staying asleep through the night has always been my Achilles’ heel, but the Lumos has been working to help me stay asleep longer (something I’ve been trying to fix for years). I’ve noticed my sleep feels deeper and more restful too.
One thing I appreciate is how customizable the settings are. You can adjust the intensity of the light, the duration of the therapy sessions, and even tailor it to your specific sleep challenges.
For me, that’s waking up at 3 a.m. and struggling to fall back asleep. The Lumos Mask includes a module designed to help with this by gradually adjusting the circadian clock in my body. Over time, this adjustment helps ensure that when 3 a.m. comes around, my body’s internal clock signals that I should stay asleep, rather than waking up. This indirect approach has made a noticeable difference in the quality of my rest.
Tips for Success
Here’s what I’ve learned about making the most of the Lumos Sleep Mask:
Follow the App’s Schedule: If you’re using the Lumos Sleep Mask to combat jet lag, begin using it just one night before your trip. There’s no need to adjust your bedtime or change your routine—simply put on the mask at your usual bedtime and start the light program. During the night, the mask’s light pulses will help shift your circadian clock, preparing your body for the time zone change. This makes adapting to your destination much smoother.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: While the mask does a lot of the heavy lifting, pairing it with good sleep hygiene—like a dark, quiet room and no screens before bed—makes it even more effective.
Give Yourself the Gift of Better Sleep
The Lumos Sleep Mask with Light Therapy is a worthwhile investment, both as a traveler and someone who struggles with sleep at home. It’s not a miracle cure, but it’s a powerful tool that has genuinely improved my ability to stay asleep.
If you’re someone who battles with jet lag, inconsistent sleep, or just wants to feel more in control of your sleep patterns, I highly recommend giving the Lumos a try.
Just remember: consistency is key. With a little commitment, you might just find yourself waking up on the right side of the bed, no matter where in the world you are.