Is it safe to sleep with earphones on

Having difficulty in falling asleep is one of the most common problems in this busy modern society. Many people like to sleep with earphones on as the solution, however, is it safe to wear them every day? The answer is yes, as long as you use them appropriately.

Benefits of earphones for sleep

The first benefit of using earphones for sleep is that they block out ambient noises, no matter it is traffic sound, the noise from your neighbor’s midnight party, or the snoring of your partner. Secondly, listening to music can stimulate the production of a chemical called dopamine, which makes you feel enjoyed and prepared for a good sleep. If you like soft music, your heart rate and breathing will be adjusted accordingly, and your stress during the day will be repelled.

Side effects of wearing earphones for sleep

Used inappropriately or too frequently, earphones can also pose several health risks to your ears:

• Earwax build-up: Using earphones overnight can prevent normal circulation inside the ears. As a result, earwax is more likely to accumulate in your eardrum, which makes it hard to remove the wax without causing certain damage.
• Otitis externa: Frequently using earphones may gradually cause your ear canals to wear out. Your ears will no longer have the ability to keep fluid out, and the outer ear may experience redness, swelling, or itching.

• Hearing loss: Scientific studies suggest that you set the volume of your earphones at no more than 60 decibels. Listening to too loud music or for long periods of time will increase the possibility of hearing loss. If you’re using ANC earbuds, you may also increase the volume via the touch control by chance.
• Unaware of the emergencies: Sometimes with noise-canceling earbuds, you may miss the important calls, emergency alarms, or even miss the signs of a burglar.

Alternatives of earphones

The ultimate goal of using earphones is to have a high-quality sleep, so if you’re open to other methods to help you to sleep, here are some alternatives:

• Headband earphones: These are actually a fabric headband that is padded with speakers. You can hardly ever feel its existence and you’re free to wash the band after removing the speakers.
• Bluetooth speaker: Actually, if you don’t insist on using earphones, a Bluetooth speaker or your smartphone would be a great option. What’s more, they can be connected with Apple Music, Spotify or other music apps.