{{ Stuff that just works }}

[orbital]

I've been using sleep masks for ages.. These are the two I'm currently using:

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www.amazon.com

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www.amazon.com

Both are very good at keeping light out, especially from around the nose. They also keep pressure off the eyes.

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Highlighted the eyes part of your post,
people would be surprised how much of a big deal it is to still be able to blink.

The instant I see/sense light, my brain says get up!
if I don't see any light at 4am in summer, my brain and body says keep chillin' for a while

the farther north you live, the more light in summer =lighter earlier

 

[TPA]

I'm solar powered. Being in Florida, this works great. Our daylight length between the solstice & equinox is only 3 hours.
When I worked in Alaska, this totally threw my body off. Stores still closed at regular times but my body was wide awake thinking it was only about 5pm. Sleep masks were essential for me there.