How Sleep Physiology Shaped the Dream Sleep Silk Eye Mask
A soulful blend of heritage silk craft and sleep science, the Dream Sleep Silk Eye Mask is the first collaboration between KAILU and sleep medicine physician Dr. Andrea Matsumura. The partnership grew from KAILU’s mission to modernize centuries-old silk traditions and Dr. Matsumura’s sleep expertise and admiration for our handcrafted artisan silk — the very silk that envelops and fills each mask.
As a physician, Dr. Matsumura works extensively with women navigating the sleep disruptions of midlife, but her insights into light sensitivity, temperature regulation, nervous-system overload, and circadian rhythm apply to all sleepers. We sat down with her to talk about th physiology of deep rest — regardless of age or gender:
What inspired you to co-create the Dream Sleep Silk Eye Mask with KAILU?
DR. ANDREA MATSMURA: As a sleep physician, I’m constantly looking for tools that support the physiology of sleep. When I discovered KAILU’s handcrafted silk and tried their oversized eye mask, I immediately felt the difference — the temperature regulation, the softness, the light-blocking. It aligned beautifully with the principles I teach in my D.R.E.A.M. Method. Collaborating allowed us to merge artisan silk craft with science-backed sleep strategies in a way that works for women in midlife and truly, for anyone seeking deeper rest.
Why is gentle pressure around the eyes and temples helpful for sleep?
DR. ANDREA MATSMURA: Many people, especially in midlife, experience “hyperarousal” — the brain stays on high alert, making it hard to fall or stay asleep. Gentle, evenly distributed pressure stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering stress signals and helping the brain transition into deeper stages of sleep. The contoured optical cushion and silk-filled wings were designed to create gentle pressure around the temples and ears, and promote that calming response without putting pressure on the eyes themselves.
What sleep issues do you see most commonly in midlife women?
DR. ANDREA MATSMURA: Frequent night wakings, difficulty staying asleep, overheating, early-morning awakenings, and non-restorative sleep. Hormonal shifts affect thermoregulation, melatonin production, stress response, and even breathing. These changes often get dismissed as “aging,” but they’re biologically driven — and very treatable. While my clinical work focuses heavily on women, these physiological stressors affect many men as well.
How does temperature influence sleep — and how can a mask help?
DR. ANDREA MATSMURA: To fall asleep, your core body temperature must drop. That’s why overheating is such a common cause of middle-of-the-night awakenings. Silk is naturally breathable, cooling, and moisture-regulating, making it one of the best materials to keep the face and body comfortable. A cooler sleep surface like silk and silk filling — found in KAILU’s duvets and throw blankets — supports the body’s natural circadian rhythm and helps prevent wake-ups triggered by heat spikes.
Who is this mask best for?
DR. ANDREA MATSMURA: Anyone seeking deeper, uninterrupted sleep. Many women in midlife will benefit from the combination of light-blocking, temperature regulation, and calming pressure — but I always remind people that sleep physiology is universal. Whether you struggle with night wakings, stress, shift work, early rising, or sensory sensitivity, the Dream Sleep Silk Eye Mask helps create the conditions for restorative rest.
Building on KAILU’s oversized silhouette, the Dream Sleep Silk Eye Mask features a contoured optical cushion and adjustable, silk-filled wings to create calming pressure around the eyes, temples, and ears. Our signature breathable silk helps regulate temperature and hydrates the delicate eye area. The deep aubergine shade was chosen for its grounding, gender-neutral elegance.
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