Many ask this question, and the truth is not always self-evident. This blog post will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of sleeping with headphones or earbuds. Keep reading to learn more!
IS IT SAFE TO SLEEP WITH HEADPHONES OR EARBUDS IN?
The National Sleep Foundation estimates that one-third of Americans use a sound-producing device to help them fall asleep.
The most common way to create white noise is to wear headphones or earbuds while you sleep. Other options include fan apps and rainfall recordings. But is it secure? It depends, is the short response.
While deciding whether it is safe to sleep with headphones or earbuds, there are a few things to consider. The first factor is the volume at which the sound is being played. Maintaining the sound volume at a level that won't harm your hearing is crucial.
The kind of headphones or earbuds you wear should be considered the second factor. Ensure your in-ear headphones or earbuds are securely in place and aren't too tight if you use them. You don't want to wake up in the middle of the night because they fell out.
Finally, it would be best to consider how long you will use the earbuds or headphones. You should be alright if you plan to wear the items for only a short time—say, 30 to 60 minutes.
However, you might consider another choice if you intend to wear them for a long time, like all night.
THE BENEFITS OF SLEEPING WITH EARBUDS OR HEADPHONES
The most significant advantage of using earbuds or headphones while you sleep is that they can assist you in blocking out undesirable noise. If you live in a city, there can be a lot of noise pollution that keeps you from going to sleep. You can use headphones or earphones to assist drown out this noise and get a good night's sleep.
Let's explore some more advantages of sleeping with earphones or headphones.
1. WHITE NOISE FOR RELAXATION
If you have difficulties falling asleep, you might want to try relaxing with white noise. White noise is created when the sound's various frequencies are blended. This could be anything, such as the sound of rain or a fan.
White noise can help you block out unpleasant noise and improve sleep.
White noise can be created in a variety of ways. You can use a fan, buy a white noise gadget, or download a white noise app.
Using headphones or earbuds, keep the volume reasonable to prevent hearing loss.
2. STIMULATES SEROTONIN
One of the benefits of sleeping with headphones or earbuds is that they can aid in boosting serotonin. A hormone called serotonin helps to control mood and has a relaxing impact. Serotonin levels might rise due to listening to music, which can help in relaxation and sleep.
3. PTSD TREATMENT AND INSOMNIA
According to some research, using earphones or headphones while you sleep can help with PTSD and insomnia. According to one study, participants who wore noise-canceling headphones to sleep experienced fewer nightmares and better sleep overall.
According to another study, PTSD sufferers who listened to soothing music before bed had fewer intrusive thoughts and slept better.
Sleeping with headphones or earbuds may help lessen sleeplessness symptoms or PTSD.
Before attempting any new treatment, a doctor should always be consulted.
4. TURN OFF NOISE
As we've already discussed, blocking background noise is one of the critical advantages of sleeping with headphones or earbuds. Sleeping with headphones can help you get a good night's sleep if you live in a busy area, such as a city.
If you have noise sensitivity, you might wish to use earbuds or headphones with noise cancellation. Noise-canceling headphones or earphones will muffle more noise than standard headphones or earbuds. This may be useful if you're trying to sleep in a noisy atmosphere.
The market is filled with a wide variety of headphones and earbuds. If you're unsure which kind to buy, you might wish to consult a physician or an audiologist. They can assist you in selecting headphones or earbuds for your requirements.
5. IMPROVES SKILLS IN PROBLEM-SOLVING
According to one study, those who listened to music as they slept had better problem-solving abilities. According to the study, people who listened to music were more adept at problem-solving than those who did not.
This is an intriguing discovery since it shows that listening to music before bed may enhance cognitive performance. Try listening to music before bed if you're having trouble with a problem.
Of course, additional study is required to support this conclusion.
6. IMPROVES MEMORY
Additionally, listening to music as you sleep can aid in sharpening your memory. According to one study, those who listened to music while sleeping had better memory recall.
This is a fascinating discovery since it implies that listening to music as you sleep can help you remember things better. Consider listening to music before bed if you're trying to learn something new.
Of course, additional study is required to support this conclusion. The intriguing chance that music could aid in memory improvement is noteworthy.
RISKS OF SLEEPING WITH EARBUDS OR HEADPHONES
After discussing some advantages of sleeping with headphones or earbuds, it is critical to examine some risks. Sleeping with headphones or earbuds could be dangerous if you don't take the necessary precautions.
Below, we'll review some of the risks associated with sleeping with headphones or earbuds.
1. SAFETY ISSUE
One of the risks of using earbuds or headphones while you sleep is that it may compromise your safety. If you are not cautious, you might hurt yourself. For instance, if you wear headphones or earphones and roll over as you sleep, you can drop them out. You can fall as a result of this and sustain injuries.
You might become tangled in your earphones or headphones, which presents another security risk. If you are careless, the cord could end up looped around your neck.
It's crucial to exercise caution when using earbuds or headphones while you're sleeping to prevent these risks. Do not place yourself in a dangerous situation where you can trip, fall, or suffer an injury.
2. OTITIS EXTERNA
Another risk of sleeping with earphones or headphones is the possibility of developing an infection. Otitis externa - a condition of the outer ear, is one sort of infection you could contract. This kind of infection may be brought on by fungus or bacteria.
Otitis externa symptoms include ear pain, itching, redness, and leakage. Consider consulting your doctor if you experience any of these signs. Antibiotics or antifungal medications are effective treatments for otitis externa.
It's critical to routinely clean your earphones or headphones to reduce the risk of this incident. Additionally, you ought to refrain from lending out your earbuds or headphones. You should visit a doctor if you suffer any otitis externa symptoms.
3. NECROSIS
Another risk of sleeping with headphones or earphones is necrosis. The tissue dies when there is necrosis. If you wear your earphones or headphones too tight, this could happen. The skin's blood supply may be cut off if the earbuds or headphones are overly tight. Necrosis may result from this.
Necrosis is characterized by discomfort, redness, and numbness. Consult your doctor if you experience any of these signs. Surgery is a treatment option for necrosis.
Ensure your earphones or headphones are not too tight to avoid this risk. Additionally, you ought to take breaks from using your earphones or headphones.
4. WAX DEPOSIT IN THE EARS
Another risk of sleeping with headphones or earbuds is a wax buildup in the ears. The body produces ear wax to shield the ear from dust and particles. But ear wax might get trapped if you wear headphones or earbuds.
This might cause ear wax to build up.
Pain, itching, and a sense of pressure in the ear are signs of an ear wax buildup. Consult your doctor if any of these signs occur. Ear irrigation or drops can alleviate an accumulation of ear wax.
It's critical to routinely clean your earphones or headphones to reduce the risk of this incident. Additionally, you ought to refrain from lending out your earbuds or headphones. You should consult a doctor if you suffer any ear wax buildup symptoms.
5. TINNITUS
Another risk of sleeping with headphones or earbuds is tinnitus. When you have tinnitus, your ears ring constantly. Exposure to loud noise can lead to this. You are subjected to loud noise if you are wearing headphones or earbuds. Tinnitus may result from this.
Tinnitus can cause headaches, vertigo, and ringing in the ears. Consult your doctor if you experience any of these signs. Both sound treatments and medicines are effective for treating tinnitus.
It's crucial to take breaks from wearing your headphones or earbuds to prevent this risk. Loud noise should likewise be kept to a minimum. Visit a doctor if you suffer any tinnitus symptoms.
6. LISTENING LOSS
Another risk of sleeping with headphones or earbuds is hearing loss. Loud noise exposure has the potential to induce hearing loss. You are subjected to loud noise if you are wearing headphones or earbuds. Failure of hearing may result from this.
Dizziness, ringing in the ears, and difficulty hearing are all signs of hearing loss. Consult a doctor if you experience any of these signs. Cochlear implants and hearing aids are two options for treating hearing loss.
It's crucial to take breaks from wearing your headphones or earbuds to prevent this risk. Loud noise should likewise be kept to a minimum. Consult a physician if you notice any hearing loss symptoms.
7. UNAWARENESS OF EMERGENCIES
Sleeping with earphones or headphones in can also prevent you from recognizing emergencies. You won't be able to hear if someone is trying to wake you up if you have headphones or earphones in.
If there is any emergency, this might be dangerous.
Always keep your headphones or earbuds off at night to ensure you can hear in an emergency. To hear about an emergency, the person you are sleeping with should turn off their headphones or earphones.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS TO CHOOSE
There are various alternatives to headphones that you might use when trying to sleep at night. These alternatives can aid your ability to fall asleep without exposing you to the risks associated with sleeping with headphones or earbuds.
You can use these things in place of headphones:
Alternatives to headphone use in music
1. EARPLUGS
Earplugs can be used if you prefer to sleep without headphones or earbuds. You can sleep while blocking out sounds with earplugs. Additionally, they are significantly safer than sleeping with earphones or headphones on.
Earplugs come in a wide variety of styles. Earplugs come in foam, silicone, and wax varieties. The most popular kind of earplugs is foam ones. They have soft foam construction and extend to fit your ear.
Soft silicone is used to make silicone earplugs, which also stretch to fit your ear. Hard wax is used to make wax earplugs, which you may shape to fit your ear.
2. NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES
Noise-canceling headphones are an additional option to headphones. To help you sleep, use headphones with noise cancellation. Additionally, they are significantly safer than sleeping with earphones or headphones on.
There are numerous varieties of headphones that block out sounds. You can purchase noise-canceling headphones that go over your ears or in your ears. Additionally, noise-canceling headphones are made of foam, silicone, or wax.
The most popular kind of noise-canceling headphones is those made of foam. They have soft foam construction and extend to fit your ear. Soft silicone makes silicone noise-canceling headphones, which also stretch to fit your ear.
Hard wax that you can mold to fit your ear serves as the material for noise-canceling headphones.
3. SMARTPHONE USE
Another option for headphones is a smartphone. You can listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts on your smartphone. You can create white noise with your smartphone as well. Sleeping with white noise is possible.
You can use numerous apps to play music, audiobooks, or podcasts. Spotify, Apple Music, and Google Play Music are some examples of well-known applications.
You may play white noise using a variety of apps that are accessible. White Noise, Relax Melodies, and Sleep Cycle are a few well-known apps.
4. BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS
An additional option for headphones is Bluetooth speakers. A Bluetooth speaker can play music, podcasts, or audiobooks. A Bluetooth speaker can also be used to play white noise.
I like listening to rainfall recordings or nature recordings in general. But I don’t usually use headphones. I just play the recordings on my phone (which is close by) or on my PC. It’s enough for me to take me to snooze land pretty quickly and I am not straining my ears in any way.
While I understand that some people live in busy areas and can have problems sleeping, I wouldn’t recommend wearing headphones for 7-8 hours, multiple nights in a row. It won’t lead to anything good in the long term.
Thank you, this is helpful! I like to sleep with white noise on but it bothers my husband. I’ll look into getting a good pair of noise-canceling headphones!
Hi, thanks for the article. I have been wondering about wearing earbuds to bed. I like to listen to nighttime sleep meditation which can keep my family awake. I will definitely be certain to clean them often!