Sleep mask for reducing sleep inertia. In an embodiment, the sleep mask comprises a foam layer having a shape that covers both of a human subject's eyes so as to attenuate ambient light. Visual stimulation element(s), configured to emit light, are positioned between the foam layer and the subject's eyes. In addition, a plurality of sensors positioned on the forehead of the subject collect electroencephalogram (EEG), electrooculogram (EOG), and electromyogram (EMG) signals. A soft exterior cover houses the foam layer, the visual stimulation element(s), and the sensors. The sleep mask further comprises processor(s) that determine and record each sleep stage of the subject, determine when to wake the subject, and, when it is determined to wake the subject, control the visual stimulation element(s) to wake the subject using emitted light.