Trying the Therabody SmartGoggles Was the Best Thing I’ve Done for My Sleep Routine in Years

• Value: 19/20
• Functionality: 19/20
• Ease of Use: 18/20
• Aesthetics: 15/20
• Snoozworthiness: 20/20
• TOTAL: 91/100

Do you frequently suffer from insomnia, eye strain or headaches? If so, listen up! Relief is on the way in the form of a super cool gadget that you can use whenever you need. Therabody, the geniuses behind my favorite skincare device recently released the Therabody SmartGoggles, a foldable eye mask that uses vibration, massage and heat to ease screen-related eye strain and headaches during the day and help you sleep better at night.

Naturally, I had to test it out for myself. During a period of two months, I put the SmartGoggles through the wringer to answer one question: Does this bug-eyed beauty really do what it claims? Read on for the full review.

Not to be mistaken for the Meta Quest 2 virtual reality headset, these SmartGoggles won’t show you the Eiffel Tower in real time, but it will make you feel like you’re entering into a spa—at least virtually. But to put it simply, you can think of this device as a large eye mask that you put on just before bed or as a soothing pick-me-up during the workday.

To use the SmartGoggles, you toggle between three modes, each designed to target specific pain points: SmartRelax, Focus and Sleep.

1. SmartRelax mode lightly massages the eye area with a customizable controlled heat (more on that in a minute), while simultaneously slowing down your heart rate to increase relaxation and reduce anxiety using the Therabody’s SmartSense Technology^TM, which analyzes your resting heart rate and adjusts the massage frequency accordingly. You can download the app to set this up and view your stats in real time. Common everyday stressors like excessive screen time (we’re looking at you, TikTok), glasses, contacts and allergies can contribute to stress on the nerves in your eyes, which is what this mode helps with.
2. Focus mode targets any tension between your eyebrows, using a single vibration pattern coupled with heat to ease strain in the surrounding muscles and lull your mind into a state of tranquility. Not only do these targeted areas help reduce facial tension, but it can also help alleviate symptoms of pain caused by headaches or migraines.
3. Sleep mode gently massages the temples using the slowest vibration pattern for a hypnotic experience. According to the brand, using Sleep mode before bedtime drastically improves your quality of sleep.

And if the three modes weren’t quite up to snuff, you can personalize your massage to your liking as you would with a masseuse. More pressure please. Hot rocks…hell yeah. Play around with the intensity settings of the vibration and heat features to reach your level of satisfaction (or turn it off if it’s not your cup of tea).

After experiencing eye strain from dry contact lenses, airplane travel and lack of sleep, I slipped on my Therabody SmartGoggles to enjoy a back-to-back SmartRelax and Sleep massage. Not only did the tension in my eyes start to melt away, but I, a self-diagnosed insomniac and night owl, felt drowsy within minutes. Nodding off like a bobblehead during my pre-bedtime Instagram scroll, I had no other choice (ha) but to set aside my phone and catch some shut-eye.

But don’t just take my word for it. Flummoxed by the magical contraption, I just about forced it on my mom during the middle of a busy day. After five minutes, the lady was practically drooling. When she felt a headache come on a week after a surgery, I strapped the goggles on her head and turned on the SmartRelax mode to help alleviate her pain. Much to her surprise, she felt some relief not just physically, but her mood improved as well. Not long after, I treated myself to a 15-minute massage while on my period, and I no longer felt an unbearable throb in my head like I usually do. I was also able to fall asleep quickly that night.

While it’s not a cure-all, my mom and I both agree that the SmartGoggles are a keeper—especially when used as a sleep aid. I would like to note that finding a comfortable position for the strap took some time, as the goggles are slightly bulky and front-heavy in design. I’d also suggest using the SmartGoggles while laying down, rather than sitting upright for the best experience.

Overall Thoughts

Let’s cut to the chase: This gadget does not disappoint. Even after two months of testing, I continue to reach for my Therabody SmartGoggles for a midday moment of respite or whenever I have trouble falling asleep. For $200, you’re practically getting a personal masseuse whenever you need. Plus, it’s compact and travel-friendly, so you can easily take it on the road. A goodnight’s rest is just one temple massage away, people.