Sleep With Headphones: Is It Safe To Do It Every Night?

Published: Sep 26, 2023

Updated: Oct 15, 2024

Sleep With Headphones: Is It Safe To Do It Every Night?

Author

Sleep is something we tend to value more as we age. The older we get, the more challenging it becomes to achieve a deep and satisfying sleep.

Most earphones are bulky and not designed for comfortable sleep. You’ve likely experienced the discomfort of boxed-in ears or woke up with a stiff neck because you couldn’t sleep on your side.

That’s where this article comes in handy! We’re here to help you find a solution. Keep reading to discover how!

Key Takeaways

It provides a way to relax without disturbing others, creating a serene atmosphere for a restful sleep.

Many traditional earbuds are bulky and uncomfortable for sleep, leading to issues like boxed-in ears and stiff necks.

People may choose this practice for various reasons, including listening to soothing music, blocking external noises, or enjoying podcasts and audiobooks.

Tangled wires, ear infections, discomfort, reduced awareness, dependency, and limited sleeping positions are potential drawbacks.

Consider specialized headphones designed for sleep, low-profile earphones, wireless options, or even bone conduction headphones.

Why People Choose to Sleep With Headphones

Many individuals opt to sleep with earbuds for various reasons, as it offers a unique blend of comfort and practicality. For some, soothing music or calming nature sounds can create a serene and relaxing atmosphere that helps ease them into a restful slumber. Others may find that blocking out external noises, such as street traffic or a snoring partner, is essential for achieving a peaceful night’s rest. Podcasts and audiobooks are also popular choices, providing an opportunity for late-night learning or entertainment without disturbing anyone else.

Is Sleeping With Headphones Dangerous?

In our previous article about the practice of wearing earbuds while sleeping, we have addressed their utility as a potential substitute for traditional headphones. The points mentioned about earbuds are close to the effect of wearing headphones, yet there are some differences. As for the last ones, the main impact can be caused by the sound headphones produce or technical characteristics such as design and wires.

7 Disadvantages of Using Headphones for Sleep Every Night

1. Right Volume

Sound cannot be too loud, because it will affect hearing abilities in general. It is better to listen to the music at a low level. Anyway, we are going to sleep, not have a party, aren’t we? There is a scientific fact: listening to loud music keeps our brain awake! For example, truck drivers listen to music if they have to drive during the night.

2. Tangled Wires

Regarding the design aspect, dealing with wires can pose challenges. Wired headphones may become entangled around your neck, leading to restlessness during sleep and potentially restricting your breathing. This could ultimately result in a loss of breath and, in some cases, even lead to fatal consequences.

3. Ear Infections

The constant moisture and warmth inside your ears, when you wear headphones, can create a conducive environment for bacteria to grow, potentially leading to ear infections.

4. Ear discomfort

Wearing earphones for an extended period while lying down can lead to discomfort and pressure on your ears, making it challenging to find a comfortable sleeping position.

5. Reduced Awareness

Listening to music while sleeping can make you less aware of your surroundings, which can be dangerous in emergency situations, such as a fire alarm or other unexpected events.

6. Dependency

Relying on music to fall asleep faster can create a dependency on external audio sources for sleep, making it difficult to sleep without them in the long run.

7. Limited Sleeping Positions

Sleeping with headphones can limit the sleep positions in which you can comfortably sleep, as the headphones may dig into your ears or feel uncomfortable in certain positions.

7 Advantages of Using Headphones for Sleep

Now, let’s speak about the benefits of sleeping with headphones.

1. Relaxation

Numerous studies show that listening to the right kind of music helps relax your body and regulate your mood. It slows down your heart rate and breathing, allowing you to let go of the stresses of the day and fall into a deep sleep quickly. It can even help patients with insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

2. Noise Isolation

Headphones can block out ambient noise, allowing you to create a more peaceful sleep environment, especially in noisy or crowded places. This is the reason some individuals living in big cities use noise-cancelling headphones to fall asleep.

3. Reduced Anxiety

Listening to music can trigger the release of dopamine. When you engage with the content you enjoy, such as music, a podcast, or a movie, your brain also releases dopamine. This natural chemical can help reduce anxiety and stress levels, making it easier to relax and fall asleep.

4. Privacy

If you share a room or living space with others, using headphones can provide privacy and prevent your sleep sounds from disturbing them.

5. Blocking Out Snoring

If your partner snores loudly, using earbuds can help you ignore or mask the noise, improving your ability to sleep through the night.

6. Tinnitus Relief

People with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) can benefit from using earbuds to play masking sounds that drown out the ringing and improve the quality of sleep.

7. Consistent Sound

Unlike traditional, external speakers, earphones provide a consistent audio experience even if you shift positions in bed.

Tips for How to Sleep With Headphones

This cannot be considered a useful article if there are no life hacks in it. We’ve got something for you, read carefully!

Tip 1: The Original Pillow with a Hole

As you can tell by its name, The Original Pillow With a Hole has a 4-inch x 4-inch hole in the middle to provide just the right amount of space for one of the ear cups to go through. Don’t forget to pull the wires through the hole.

Tip 2: Travel Pillow

travel pillow tip for how to sleep with headphones

This is the best friend of people on the go. It can be used to relieve pressure on the headphones in two ways. One is when you’re sleeping upright or sitting down, and the second is when you sleep on your side.

Travel pillows snuggly fit around your neck to give your chin and jawline an area to fall and rest on. It will not come in contact with your headphones so pressure while sleeping won’t be a problem.

Much like the pillow with a hole, travel pillows also have a crater in the middle where your headphones could easily slot in. This is a great and innovative way to sleep on your side while wearing headphones.

Tip 3: Get Headphones That Make Sleeping Easier

Typically, these headphones have a low profile and don’t protrude from the ear so that when you turn to the side, you feel nothing pressing against your ear.

Different Types of Headphones

There are a few types of headphones in this category.

1. Sleeping Headband Headphones

These look like a regular sports headband that’s made of fabric and wraps around the head, but they have a pair of ultra-slim, padded speakers inserted inside. The fabric can be washed, but always remember to remove the speakers first.

Popular brands include:

SleepPhones – These are lightweight headband headphones that can be plugged into a standard 3.5-mm jack. A wireless Bluetooth version is also available so you can move around without restriction.
CozyPhones – These have a contoured design that allows the headband to conform to the shape of your head. They also double as an eye mask for blocking out light. CozyPhones are available for adults and children.
Jarvania – If you’re looking for sleep headphones that you can also use while exercising, check out Jarvania. They have a built-in mic so you can make calls hands-free during your workout.

2. Low-Profile Earphones

They usually have soft silicone tips that follow the shape of your ears so that you barely feel a thing. These were designed especially for people who want to sleep with headphones on.

Popular brands include:

Bedphones by Moonbow – These are on-ear headphones with ¼-inch-thick ear cups that sit flat on your ears. The rubber-coated memory wire conforms to the shape of your outer ears so you can adjust the headphones for maximum comfort.
QuietOn Sleep Earphones –These earphones come with active noise-canceling to drown out low-frequency sounds like snoring and city traffic. Ear tips also come in small and medium sizes to accommodate various ear sizes.
Moondrop Kanas Pro – If you want to keep your earbuds in while sleeping, get this pair of earphones. The Kanas Pro by Moondrop has an over-the-ear memory cable that can be adjusted so that it fits snugly over your outer ears. It also comes with soft, light ear tips in various sizes so you can choose the right size for your ears.

3. Wireless Sleep Headphones

These headphones connect to your devices via Bluetooth, eliminating the hassle of tangled wires. They come in various forms, including earbuds, headbands, and even sleep masks with integrated speakers. Bluetooth sleep headphones offer the freedom to move around without being tethered to a device.

Popular brands include:

Bose Sleepbuds: Bose is known for its high-quality audio products, and the Sleepbuds were designed specifically for sleep, offering comfortable earbuds with pre-loaded soothing sounds.
Sony Wireless Headphones: Sony offers a range of wireless headphones, including models suitable for sleep. Their noise-canceling technology can help block out unwanted disturbances.
CozyPhones: CozyPhones produces a variety of sleep headphones, including headbands with built-in Bluetooth speakers, making them comfortable for side sleepers.

4. Sleeping Pillow Speakers

These are not traditional headphones but are designed to be placed inside or under your pillow. They produce a sound that is audible only to the person resting on the pillow, so they won’t disturb a partner. Pillow speakers are a great option if you don’t like wearing anything in or on your ears.

Popular brands include:

SoundAsleep Pillow: The SoundAsleep Pillow is a popular option with built-in speakers that allow you to listen to music or audio while you sleep. It’s designed to be comfortable and unobtrusive.
iMusic Pillow: The iMusic Pillow is another brand that offers pillows with integrated speakers. They are designed to provide a comfortable and immersive audio experience while you sleep.
Sound Oasis Pillow Speakers: Sound Oasis offers a variety of sleep sound products, including pillow speakers that can be placed inside your pillowcase for a personalized audio experience.

5. Sleeping Bone Conduction Headphones

Bone conduction headphones sit just in front of your ears and transmit sound through vibrations in your cheekbones or jawbone. They don’t cover your ears, allowing you to hear ambient sounds while listening to your preferred audio, making them a safer choice if you need to remain aware of your surroundings.

Popular brands include:

Aftershokz: Aftershokz is a well-known brand for bone-conduction headphones. While they primarily focus on sports and outdoor activities, some of their models may be suitable for sleeping.
Vidonn: Vidonn is another brand that produces bone-conduction headphones, and they have a range of models that could potentially be used for sleeping.
Nuraphone: While not purely bone conduction headphones, Nuraphone combines in-ear and over-ear technology to provide a unique listening experience, which might be suitable for sleeping for some users.

What Are the Alternatives to Sleeping With Headphones On?

When it comes to optimizing quality sleep and comfort, many individuals seek alternatives to sleeping with earbuds on. One popular alternative is the use of white noise machines or apps that generate soothing sounds like rainfall, ocean waves, or gentle breezes. These ambient sounds can drown out unwanted noise and create a relaxing environment conducive to sleep.

If you’re looking for a convenient solution, we recommend trying our sleep app, ShutEye. ShutEye offers a wide range of sleep sounds and relaxing music meticulously designed to promote a restful night’s sleep. With customizable features and a user-friendly interface, it’s a great choice for those seeking a peaceful and headphone-free sleep experience.

Another option is the utilization of specialized sleep earplugs designed to reduce external noise while remaining comfortable during the night. Additionally, some people explore wireless or bone conduction earphones mentioned above that are specifically designed for better sleep, as they are less intrusive and more comfortable than traditional set.

Conclusion

Alright, we have talked enough for today. Now it is time to put your earphones on and listen to the sounds you like! One more thing I wanted to mention, if you struggle with finding and selecting sounds for your sleep, ShutEye® is the thing you need.

Indulge yourself with the most calming, relaxing, and authentic sounds. Good night and sweet dreams!

FAQ

Yes, sleeping with headphones can potentially cause headaches if they are uncomfortable, too tight, or if the volume is too loud, leading to discomfort or pressure on the head. It’s important to use comfortable, low-volume headphones if you choose to sleep with them to minimize the risk of headaches.

Sleeping with music can have both positive and negative effects, depending on individual preferences and the type of music. Some people find it relaxing and helpful for falling asleep, while others may be disturbed by it. If it helps you sleep better and doesn’t disrupt your rest, it’s not necessarily “bad.” However, loud or stimulating music may interfere with sleep quality, so it’s essential to choose music that suits your needs and doesn’t disrupt your rest.

Sleeping with earbuds can potentially increase the risk of ear infections if the buds are not kept clean or if they trap moisture in the ears. To minimize this risk, it’s important to clean your headphones regularly and ensure your ears are dry before using them for sleep.

Yes, sleeping with earphones, especially at high volumes, can potentially cause hearing loss over time. The close proximity of headphones to your ears can expose your ears to prolonged loud sounds, which may damage your hearing. It’s crucial to keep the volume at a safe level when using headphones, especially during sleep, to protect your hearing.

It is generally not safe to sleep with headphones or earbuds, as they can pose various dangers to your ear health and overall safety.

Sleeping with headphones or earbuds can lead to discomfort in the ear canal, increased risk of getting tangled in the cords, and interference with your ability to hear potential hazards or alarms.

Yes, wearing headphones or earbuds to bed can disturb your sleep quality and may interfere with your ability to achieve deep sleep and improved memory consolidation.

While noise-cancelling headphones may help in reducing external noises, they are not recommended for use during sleep as they may still pose risks to your ear health and overall safety.

If you still want to wear headphones to sleep, consider using over-ear headphones that sit comfortably on your head without putting pressure on your ear canal.

Wearing in-ear headphones during sleep can be unsafe and may not necessarily improve your sleep quality, as they can cause discomfort in the ear canal and pose risks of tangling during sleep.

About authors

Jessica Brown

Author

Jessica Brown, a 29-year-old freelance copywriter passionate about human nature and deeply committed to promoting sleep and mental health awareness. Jessica holds a Master of Arts in Literary Studies from the National University of Singapore and a Bachelor's in Biology from the University of Cambridge.

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