Blindfold - Applications

Applications

Blindfolds can be used in various applications:

• As a sleep mask: They block out light when sleeping, especially during air travel, or for those who sleep during the day. It is believed that shutting out light allows the user to achieve a deeper level of sleep. They can also provide relief from claustrophobia for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) patients. Glaucoma patients should avoid using these.
• In children's games, such as Pin the Tail on the Donkey and when hitting a piñata.
• During both martial arts and weight lifting to encourage reliance on other senses, such as touch or hearing.
• As a sensory deprivation tool in meditation (to focus attention on oneself rather than outside imagery).
• A kidnapping victim, hostage, prisoner, etc. may be blindfolded to avoid identification of location(s) or people. (A common alternative to this usage is the use of a hood instead.)
• Before sunglasses, they were worn as the primary facial cover for those who could not see. This usage, though uncommon, is still practiced in modern times.
• Blindfolds are used in several magic tricks. One common trick involves a blindfolded performer doing a task that requires vision such as driving.