Sleeping with headphones is something many people do every night, and for good reason. Listening to music can give us a better night’s sleep, and using headphones keeps you from disturbing other people with an external speaker. But is sleeping with headphones safe? Generally, yes. But it's important to follow safety precautions. Our complete guide will show you how to use headphones at night safely, give you in-depth reviews for all of our top headphone picks, and look at the benefits of sleeping with headphones.
1. Is sleeping with headphones safe?
For the most part, yes, but there are some risks to be aware of.While all these risks can be managed by using properly-fitting headphones and keeping the volume at a moderate level, it’s a good idea to be aware of them. If you want to take a break from using headphones while sleeping and you’re not worried about disturbing other people, you can always use an external speaker. Some potential problems from sleeping with headphones include:
- Earwax build-up: Earbuds block the natural movement of wax outside the ear, so it’s best not to wear them too long, or wear over-the-ear headphones if you’re concerned about this.
- Hearing loss: Listening to loud music for prolonged periods of time can damage your hearing. Try to limit your volume to 60% of its maximum to prevent hearing loss.
- Pressure headaches: Some people may experience headaches with tight-fitting headphones that place pressure on their skull. Using a more comfortable pair can limit these symptoms.
- Necrosis: Ill-fitting headphones can damage the skin in your ear canal over time, which happens when there’s not enough blood flow to keep cells alive. Looser headphones can prevent this from happening.
- Missing emergencies: Noise-cancelling headphones can keep you from hearing important calls, alarms, or warnings about emergencies.
2. Best Picks for Sleep-Friendly Headphones
We’ve done the research: here are our top picks for products that will get you a good night’s rest while listening to your favorite tunes.
- Best headband headphones: HoomBand Wireless
- Best budget headband headphones: MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones
- Best low-profile earbuds: &tag=wikihow13114711-20 Damipow True Wireless Sleep Earbuds
- Best budget low-profile earbuds: Hearprotek Sleep Earbuds
- Best pillow: M.B. Leaf Pillow with Ear Hole
3. Best Headband Headphones
HoomBand WirelessWhile normal headphones can be uncomfortable or end up damaged by sleeping on them, headband headphones are specially designed to withstand this pressure. The HoomBand Wireless headband is our top pick because, on top of an exceptionally comfortable design, it also offers a bundle of extra benefits, including access to hypnotic sleep content crafted by experts to help you fight off insomnia. With 10 hours of playtime, a single charge can last you all night.
- Cons: Sizing can be an issue, so be sure to measure the circumference of your head before you buy.
4. Best Budget Headband Headphones
MUSICOZY Sleep HeadphonesFor a more affordable headband headphone that doesn’t sacrifice comfort, our pick goes to MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones. These headphones will last on a full charge for 10 hours, and come with impressive sound quality. They also come in several different colors, so you can pick a style that works best for you.
5. Best Low-Profile Earbuds
Damipow True Wireless Sleep EarbudsEarbuds that stick out of your ear can make side-sleeping quite uncomfortable. The &tag=wikihow13114711-20 Damipow True Wireless Sleep Earbuds solve this issue by fitting close to your ear, and come with several different sizes for earbud caps so that you can pick the one that feels best. These earbuds are totally wireless, which means you won’t be fussing with cords in your sleep, block outside noise, and have great sound quality.