Unsurprisingly, there hasn’t been much research yet into the relationship between mask-wearing and migraine. But there have been a few studies of typical headaches focusing on people who’ve had to wear masks to work since long before COVID-19: medical workers. It’s on the bulkier side and doesn’t stay cold for long, so it’s best used for heating therapy only. Another buyer wrote, "I have used this product for 20 years! They are awesome and last a really long time. Just replaced mine after over 20 years of use. Great for shoulder pain in hard to reach areas because of the great handles." The Sivio Weighted Eye Mask is filled with tiny silica beads encased in soft, breathable cotton that feels like luxurious velvet. The mask cover is double-sided: warming cotton on one side, and cooling bamboo on the other, depending on your mood, and it’s washable. The removable bead bag can be heated in the microwave or frozen, offering hot and cold therapy for puffy eyes, stress reduction, or migraine relief.

You also want to consider what’s inside the mask. They’re typically filled with flaxseed, lentils, rice, sand, or—most commonly—microbeads, which are usually glass or plastic. If these treatments do not help control your migraines, you may be referred to a specialist called a neurologist for more tests and treatment. Causes of retinal migraine Wearing a mask every time you go somewhere indoors in public isn’t just an official CDC guideline (and in some places, a legal requirement)—it’s also one of the easiest things you can do to keep yourself and others safe during this time. Of course, what’s easy for most people is often a lot more complicated for migraine sufferers.

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Say hello to weighted eye masks. Much like our beloved weighted blankets, these clever sleep aids provide comforting pressure around the eye area, helping you to relax. Is your interest piqued? Keep reading for all you need to know about weighted eye masks, plus the best weighted eye masks to shop now… Most of the other hats on our list can be adjusted or positioned to relieve migraine pain on the top of your head, but none of them specifically target that area. But the IceBeanie does without requiring any special positioning or constant readjustments. While wearing a mask for long periods of time might actually worsen headaches, you’ve probably heard some other claims about the dangers of mask-wearing that are a bit less well-founded. Most worrying is the suggestion that wearing a mask causes hypercapnia, a condition caused by having too much carbon dioxide in the blood. Symptoms of mild hypercapnia include dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can cause muscle twitching, passing out, seizures, and even coma.

If your migraines are severe, you might be offered other things to help, such as learning relaxation techniques and acupuncture. If living through a global pandemic has increased your anxiety, you’re certainly not alone. These are difficult times, and that’s bound to have an effect on your mental health. Make time for self-care by incorporating stress-relieving activities like exercise, yoga, and meditation into your new routine. Just getting outside for a brief daily walk (at an appropriate distance from others, of course) is a great place to start. You can find more tips for reducing anxiety in our guide to stress management for migraine sufferers. You can typically find weighted eye masks that are as light as 4 ounces and as heavy as one pound. Some designs have zippered access that allow you to adjust the weight as needed. For some, a heavier weight may be too much, so you may want to start light and work your way up. While Dr. Natbony notes that everyone will have a different preference in terms of style, design, and extra features, there are a few key things you should look for when shopping. Finally, we consulted with two neurologists and migraine experts to make sure we knew exactly what to look for when shopping for migraine hats, as well as how they work and who might benefit from using one. Experts we spoke to include:

Stop debilitating migraines quickly and effectively

DPS/DPT boosts serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin levels in the brain,” says Dr. Shelby Harris, Director of Sleep Health at Sleepopolis. “Calming the nervous system can help reduce anxiety and stress, improve focus, and provide a sense of calm."