What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
For dawn light coming through a window, well-fitted blackout curtains or opaque shades are the direct fix; a sleep mask blocks light at your eyes from any direction. There is no verified head-to-head test showing that one always blocks more light. Choose based on where the light is coming from, whether you can control the room, and what you can comfortably keep in place through the night.
Which option should you choose?
Match the solution to the light path. Window coverings reduce light entering through a particular window. A mask blocks light at the eyes whether it comes from a window, a hallway, or another direction. CDC/NIOSH guidance recommends opaque coverings where needed and an eye mask when outdoor lights are difficult to avoid (CDC/NIOSH sleep-environment guidance).
- Light comes through a specific window: Start with a covering that fits the window and can be adjusted to reduce light at the edges.
- You cannot change the room, or light comes from several directions: Try a comfortable mask that stays in place.
- Both are problems: Curtains and a mask address different routes, so using both may help reduce remaining light. The cited sources do not establish this combination as a tested treatment.
How do curtains and masks differ?
| Factor | Blackout curtains or opaque shades | Sleep mask |
|---|---|---|
| Light blocked | Light entering through the covered window | Light reaching the eyes from any direction |
| Best suited to | A window that can be covered and fitted | A room that cannot be changed, or light from multiple directions |
| Common source of leakage | Gaps at the sides, top, or bottom | Gaps around the nose or eyes, or the mask shifting during sleep |
| Comfort and practical limits | Installation, room appearance, and access to the window | Pressure, heat, strap feel, and whether it stays on |
| Portability | Usually stays with the room | Easy to carry for travel or temporary sleep settings |
This is a practical comparison of how each option blocks light, not evidence that either has a measured higher blackout percentage. CDC/NIOSH advises adjusting coverings to block light around their edges and using a mask when other light-control measures are insufficient (CDC/NIOSH nurse-training guidance).
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsHow to reduce dawn light from a window
Use an opaque covering that spans the window, then check its fit rather than relying on the product label alone. CDC/NIOSH guidance specifically recommends room-darkening shades or heavy, lined drapes and adjusting coverings to limit light around their edges.
#1 Best Overall
- SIZE & MATERIAL:Set includes 2 panels blackout curtains（52" Wide by 84" Long). Each panel has 8 grommets.The interior diameter of hole is 1.6 inch.It's easy to hang. Curtains are made by quality faux linen.
- BLACKOUT CURTAINS: Thermal insulated blackout curtains could block 100% light out to darken your room completely.Suitable for late sleepers, shift workers, seniors, parents, students and computer operators to enhance their quality of sleep well during the day.
- TRIPE WEAVE TECHNOLOGY:We adopt tripe weave technology to make material. With the help of this technology, curtains could insulate the room from the heat and cold all the year, so that it will save energy. Also,curtains could reduce the noise to keep your room quiet. Blackout curtains could provide you a comfortable environment with privacy.
- CLASSIC HOME DECOR:Quality linen curtains could decorate your room into a vintage, gorgeous and luxurious style. It is available in 8 sizes to accommodate your bedroom, living room, den,etc.
- EASY CARE: If there are wrinkles when opening the packaging. Warm iron or steam iron and tumble dry at low temperatures if necessary. Don't use sharp things scratching curtains.Due to different screen display, the color of actual item may vary slightly from images.
- Look for gaps at the sides, top, and bottom when the covering is closed.
- Check that it is wide and long enough for the window and can be closed fully.
- If light still comes around the edges, consider whether the covering or its installation can be adjusted.
A product advertised as “100% blackout” is not necessarily independently verified to make a room completely dark; the sources reviewed do not establish a universal blackout performance figure.
When a sleep mask is the more practical choice
A mask is useful when you cannot install or close window coverings, when you sleep somewhere temporary, or when light reaches your eyes from outside the window. Fit and staying in place matter: NIOSH advises using a mask when other light-control measures do not work and keeping it on for the entire desired sleep episode. Check whether it leaks around the nose or eyes and whether its pressure, warmth, or strap feels comfortable enough to wear.
Rank #2
- Made of high quality durable 100% polyester fabric, our blackout curtains are super smooth, soft and free from chemical smell
- Package Includes: 2 black curtain panels, each blackout curtain measures 52 inch wide and 84 inch length constructed with 8 silver grommets measuring 1.6 inches inner diameter
- Blackout Curtains and Privacy Maximization: Curtains impede 85%-99% light and UV ray(Darker colors more better).The curtains are made using a triple weave innovative production method, and they help maximize privacy and reduce some noisy
- Energy Saving Curtains: These thermal insulated curtains help prevent energy loses by insulating hot summers and cold winters. Perfect thermal curtains for bedroom, living room, kids room and nursery room
- Care Instructions: Our room darkening blackout curtain machine washable, do not bleach, iron at low temperature settings
What does the evidence say about sleep masks?
A 2022 study in the journal SLEEP reported next-day cognitive benefits under eye-mask use compared with a control condition without light blocking. In its first experiment, 94 adults aged 18–35 wore a mask for one week and had a control week without light blocked; the authors reported improved episodic encoding and alertness. In a second experiment, 35 participants wore a sleep-monitoring device with and without a mask; the encoding benefit was replicated and predicted by time in slow-wave sleep (2022 SLEEP study).
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
These findings suggest that blocking ambient light with a mask can affect next-day measures in the studied participants. The study did not compare masks with curtains, test early-morning window light as the specific question, or establish that results apply equally across ages, masks, rooms, and sleep complaints.
Rank #3
- 100% Blackout Curtains: A full blackout white coating is attached to the back of our linen curtains, blocking 100% of sunlight and UV rays. Provide you a complete private and personal space for a sweet sleep or rest. Good choice for bedrooms, nursery, living rooms, offices, patio door. Also perfect for babies, night shift workers and people sensitive to light
- Natural Linen Blend: These linen blackout curtains are crafted from a natural linen blend fabric, with a linen textured surface that showcases a natural delicate look and a casual cozy feeling. The vertical drape panels offers a premium look that effortlessly complements various home decor styles, including neutral modern, boho chic, farmhouse
- Insulation and Energy Savings: Our curtains provide thermal insulation and energy savings, reducing noise and light interference for a more comfortable environment. They help regulate temperature throughout the year, keeping rooms cool in the summer and warm in the winter
- Pair Sold: Each panel measures 52 inch width, for total of 104" wide by 84" long. Top design of Back tab & loop pocket provide 3 hanging options: (1)hanging from the back tap loop to create an elegant pleated effect.(2) hanging with a classic rod pocket style.(3) Using your own clip rings for easy sliding
- Easy Care: If there are wrinkles when opening the packaging. Cool iron on front side as needed. Don't iron on the back side of 100% Blackout White Coating Layer. Machine washable in cold water and do not bleach, tumble dry low. Any questions please feel free to contact us
Will a mask fix insomnia?
No such promise is supported. Cleveland Clinic sleep expert Samuel Gurevich, MD, says masks can help in relevant situations, especially for people who normally sleep during the day, but the clinic cautions that a mask is not a cure-all for insomnia (Cleveland Clinic on sleep masks). If sleep difficulty persists, treat a light-blocking purchase as an environmental adjustment, not a diagnosis or treatment for an underlying problem.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Premium & Easy-Care Fabric: These blackout curtains are crafted from high-quality, 100% Polyester microfiber. These curtains are durable, naturally wrinkle-resistant, and machine washable (recommended in a mesh bag). Avoid bleach for vibrant, long-lasting color.
- Superior Blackout & Energy Savings: Black out curtains feature triple-weave technology for professional-grade light blocking. Dark colors curtains block 80%+ of sunlight; light colors curtains block 60%+. Creates ideal darkness for sleep or naps. Thermal insulation helps regulate room temperature, reducing energy costs year-round.
- Versatile Size & Style Options: These window curtains are available in 20+ sizes (from 42" W x 63" L to 84" L, 52" W x 45" L to 120"L, 70" W x 90" L to 108" L) and 20+ stylish colors. Perfectly match any bedroom or living room decor. Includes sophisticated options like Burgundy Black.
- Effective Noise Reduction: Joydeco blackout curtains for bedroom have dense fabric construction, effectively absorbing over 35% of outside noise. Ideal for light sleepers, apartment living, and creating peaceful nurseries.
- Easy Installation & Ready to Hang: Our light blocking curtains feature 8 silver grommets per panel with a 1.6" inner diameter, compatible with most standard and decorative curtain rods. Arrives thread-trimmed and wrinkle-free for immediate use.
Rank #4
- 100% Blackout Curtains: Our Blackout Curtains ensure a completely dark room, isolate noise and protect privacy. These room darkening curtains can block 100% sunlight.Heavy duty curtains keep heat indoors in winter and discharge heat in summer, thereby reducing cooling and heating costs , While protecting your furniture, floors and artwork from the sun damage
- Curtains can be styled in muliple ways: Back Tab, Hook Belt, Rod pocket, Clip Ring(Hooks and Rings are NOT Included) and Track System. 8 back loops per panel, 3" rod pocket top fits rod with a diameter not exceeding 1.6" and makes the maximum coverage of windows, the belt sewn on the back for your own hooks allows for quick and easy installation
- Linen Look Fabric: These curtains&drapes are crafted from soft and draped textured linen look fabric with 100% blackout coating. Linen blackout curtains will bring more vintage and classic visual look, Softness and drape blackout curtains create a relaxed and fashionable home environment
- Packaging Includes: 2 pieces of heavy-duty blackout curtains are included.Each Drape measures width 50x84 length (Inches),total curtains width are 100 inches. Please check the Size Guide before purchasing, measure your window width and height in advance to achieve the desired decorative and functional effect
- Easy Care: Machine washable in cold water, use only non-chlorine bleach when needed, no color fading, wrinkle resistant, warm ironing or steam clean if necessary
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
