Many people struggle to fall asleep fast, and over the years, many have tried countless methods in an effort to get a decent night’s sleep. Listening to music, white noise, or ASMR to assist you go asleep seems to be an effective technique.
Unfortunately, the majority of earbuds and headphones are uncomfortable to wear while sleeping. It’s typical for people to initially nod off but then wake up shortly after rolling over onto their side or front. We wish to make some recommendations regarding headphones that will help you get a good night’s sleep.
So what qualities should you consider while choosing the finest headphones for sleeping? Well, I wanted this article to serve as both a buyer’s guide for these kinds of headphones and a forum for talking about additional strategies and options to using headphones to aid in falling asleep. I’ll list 10 possibilities for headphones and earphones that will aid in a restful night’s sleep below, along with a few products for various price points that are intended to enhance sleep.
Table of Contents
SLEEPING HEADPHONE TYPES
The majority of headphones are not intended for this use, but fortunately, numerous businesses have stepped forward to provide the demand after spotting a vacuum in the market. Many companies are now creating headphones exclusively for use during sleep. While they might not be as excellent as a regular pair of headphones, they include a number of features intended to improve your sleep and will be really useful for our purposes.
To assist you select the best set for you, we have divided the purchasing procedure into a few different stages and product categories below. Before you buy, take a moment to consider how you sleep and which of these will fit your needs the most. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or contact us by email, and we will do our best to guide you in making the best decision.
IMPROVE QUALITY
Since most headphones are worn when you are awake, they are not subjected to the kind of stress or abuse you could experience while wearing them while you sleep.
As you move and roll in your sleep, you will come into contact with the pillow. Ordinary headphones may experience severe wear and strain as a result, so you will need robust and resilient types that can withstand the abuse. We’re looking for headphones specifically made for sleeping or existing models that we can modify for this function. The materials used and the construction style can have a significant impact on the headphones’ long-term durability.
ARE THERE COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES FOR SIDE SLEEPERS?
A key consideration in the purchasing process is comfort. Being uncomfortable will, after all, make it difficult for you to fall asleep quickly and even more difficult for you to attempt to stay asleep.
When attempting to get a complete eight hours of sleep without feeling any pain or discomfort, you should pick headphones that you will enjoy using.
You can bet that whatever problems you may have with specific headphone models during the day will be made worse at night. Although the headphones we’ve selected below are better for side sleepers, they may still not be ideal. There might need to be some sacrifices in this category.
Additionally, you might discover that there is a period of getting used to how you wear your new headphones while you sleep. A certain amount of discomfort can be handled but not tolerated with time and the right pillow.
IS SOUND IMPORTANT WHEN SELECTING SLEEPING HEADPHONES?
When selecting a pair of headphones, the sound is quite important, but when selecting them for sleeping, your priorities should be slightly different.
In this situation, you shouldn’t worry about absolute faithfulness; instead, you should opt for something that doesn’t make any sudden or bothersome noises that might keep you up at night. Examples of this include a jarring treble spike or even an obtrusive background hiss. Both of these may be disturbing enough to keep you awake rather than allowing you to go asleep.
You want your headphones or earbuds to have a pleasant, neutral tone when it comes to the audio. Although a set of headphones with muted high notes and a touch of warmth to the presentation might also work well in this situation, neutral and balanced headphones with low impedance perform well.
A comparison of over-ear, in-ear, and on-ear headphones is provided.
You won’t necessarily know what you’re looking for right away because not all headphone designs are ideal for sleeping.
Full-size, hefty headphones won’t remain on your head very well and will therefore leave you with very little room to move. If you sleep on your side, a pair of in-ear headphones (earphones) may press deeply into the canal.
We have included below some solutions for current designs and models that will function more effectively than others.
Additionally, many businesses have created earphones just for sleeping. Some of these are distinctive and not something you would want to wear out in public, but they work great in bed.
WHAT AMOUNT SHOULD YOU PUT AWAY?
I believe you may get away with using quite inexpensive sleeping headphones. After all, they are designed to aid in your sleep, and you won’t be performing any critical listening when you are asleep. The good news is that most businesses that provide headphones designed just for sleep don’t demand exorbitant prices for them. those who act (the Sleepphones at the top of our list are well worth it)
HEADPHONE SUBSTITUTES FOR A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP
I thought I would give you a few extra options that might make it a little bit simpler for you to fall asleep before going over the top ten sleeping headphones. Some of these have been successful in the past for me, so I believe they merit mention.
FOAM EARPLUGS TO QUIET THE ROOM
No, not the set you received from a hotel or some such useless foam offcut. I’ve previously experimented with a wide variety of noise-cancelling earplugs for sleeping, and I’ve pretty much decided that the Howard Leight Laser Lite Plugs are the best option.
The models you want are the yellow and pink laser lite models, so resist the urge to buy any other brand or even HL’s own higher decibel-rated devices. I have tried many earplugs for sleeping, but these are by far the nicest and most comfortable. You can buy in bulk on these and save a ton of money because they have up to 10 uses per set and a package of 200 pairs should only cost you about $20.
I cannot emphasize enough how much of a benefit I have experienced since I began using these; they are incredibly comfortable and significantly reduce outside noise. These really change the game for me.
EARPLUGS WITH A CUSTOM MOLDED DESIGN FOR ASSURED COMFORT
Even though I now prefer the disposable variety indicated above, I formerly had considerable luck using custom-molded earplugs.
I advise experimenting with the Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs out of all the models I have used. These are some homemade custom molds that are made to precisely fit your outer ear. Putting them into a reusable pair of earplugs that block out a lot of outside noise takes approximately 10 minutes. The technique is a little tricky, so request assistance if you think you’ll need it.
List of the 10 Best Headphones for Sleeping in 2023
1. EFFORTLESS SLEEPPHONES
The greatest headphones for sleeping are the Sleepphones Effortless. They are the most logical and practical because they are wireless and include induction charging. Of all the models I have ever tried, it is by far the best and has entirely changed the way I sleep.
We can see what makes them stand out from the competition if we concentrate on the key selling features. They have a headband style that makes sleeping with them really pleasant because it is less likely to become dislodged while you move about while you sleep. The earbuds can be removed once a conventional headphone has been removed.
When I woke up in the morning, the Sleepphones were frequently still on my head where I had left them the previous evening.
The Sleepphones’ use of flexible, thin, and comfortable speaker diaphragms that don’t interfere with side sleeping is another crucial feature. They are made of flexible materials that let them to adapt to your ears, and for added comfort, the entire item is wrapped in thick cushioning.
The Sleepphones’ wireless nature is the final and most crucial feature. You won’t be restrained in your sleep anymore. You don’t have to go through the entire process of unplugging your phone or music player and then resetting everything when you return if you wake up and need to go the restroom or get a drink of water. The main reason I choose to advocate for this paradigm over all others is because it is amazingly liberating.
They have a terrific 12-hour battery life and a quick 2-hour recharge time.
2. SLEEPING EARPHONES BY MAXROCKS
These headphones are excellent for side sleepers. The Maxrock Sleep Earphones are my second choice. Traditionally, I would recommend sleeping with earphones in since they tend to irritate your ear canal when you move onto your side.
The Maxrock, however, is so tiny and quiet that I can sleep well with them all night; but, if you misplace them in the dark, good luck trying to find them.
3. WIRELESS SLEEPSKIN AND HEADPHONES
These off-brand models are becoming more prevalent and are offered by numerous online vendors. They are a complete solution that includes both headphones and an eye mask.
This will appeal to many individuals because it eliminates the need to fumble in the dark for two items rather than just one.
Although I had my doubts at first, they have held up well, are reasonably priced, and last for nine hours on a single charge. Having said that, there is a definite distinction between them and the Sleepphones we mentioned at number 1 in terms of the quality and design. They have thicker speakers and are slightly less durable, which can make them slightly uncomfortable with firm cushions.
4. ADULT AUDIO TECHNOLOGIES SLEEP + SOUND
The Sound+Sleep is one of the most technologically advanced sleep speakers available even though it isn’t a headphone.
Although the new Sound + Sleep is not a headphone, I was sufficiently impressed by it to feel that it merited a spot on this list.
I have used a lot of white noise machines in my lifelong fight with insomnia, but none have been as user-friendly and adaptable as the Sound Sleep.
The device is a noise generator with simple controls on the front panel and a variety of settings and realistic noises.
It is the best speaker of this type I have used, and it prevents me from using my phone when lying in bed.
5. FINAL AUDIO DESIGN E3000
The Final Audio e3000 are the ideal earbuds for sleeping because they are small and comfy.
The e3000 was my intended addition as a bit of an all-arounder. Something that sounds good at night and is also comfortable throughout the day.
The sound quality of the e3000, which we examined earlier this year, completely blew us away. Due to its small size, it also makes the ideal earbud for sleeping.
Consider it a high-end improvement to the Maxrock version I mentioned earlier.
6. DOLIDA EYEMASK WITH INTEGRATED SPEAKERS
These have a very similar style to the headband mentioned above, however they resemble eye masks more.
Since many people who struggle to fall asleep also wear eye masks, it makes sense to combine the two things into one product.
Apart from the inexpensive price, I loved these built-in volume controls for play and pause, which are useful at night because you don’t have to fumble about to use your phone to operate them.
7. ZERO AUDIO TENORE DX200
Another fantastic option if you want to possess a pair of headphones with incredible sound.
Because they sound like earphone sets costing several times as much as the Zero Audio DX200, they have received a lot of praise in the past.
I was using them for sleeping for a long because of how they were made. The body is compact and does not interfere with side sleeping when inserted. When side sleeping, the cable exit’s angle prevents them from touching your skin.
The fact that I could use them for daytime music listening for not much more money than a specialized nap set was another perk of their adaptability.
8. SLEEPAWAY PHONE
Despite using a connection, the original Sleepphones are substantially less expensive than the wireless model.
Although AcousticSheep is regarded as the leading brand in the market and has a superb reputation, these speakers appear to be your typical headband style speakers. By giving customers a choice between 3 different sizes and 6 different colors, they are the first company to enhance the design.
Despite being more expensive than other brands, they do have a standout quality. The integrated nightstand charging pad allows you to wirelessly charge the headband. Simply take off the headband in the morning and set it down on this pad, and they ought to begin charging right away.
9. AGPTEK Sleeping Headphones
They fit snugly in the ear and are inexpensive, tiny, and do not have any strain relief. They might not sound as nice as some of the more expensive ones on this list, but they include an inline control, so you won’t have to get up in the middle of the night to get your phone or music player.
The ability to change your volume without having to look at a screen should help you sleep longer and deeper because studies have shown that blue light can drastically disrupt your sleep pattern.
A cost-effective choice with a sturdy construction from the metal body that will last you for many years.
10. FAN-BASED SLEEP MACHINE FOR YOGASLEEP DOHM
One of the oldest and most dependable sleep aids available is the Dohm.
The Dohm is the most well-known white noise maker ever created and has been around since 1962. This particular model includes an actual fan inside and two settings. It produces realistic white noise that sounds natural to help you fall asleep and can be adjusted using the venting system.
Conclusion
I sometimes wish I could revert to being alone so I could resume using a smart pillow. This was my go-to method for getting a good night’s sleep for almost a year. Utilizing, let’s say, a bedside speaker has the drawback that the sound is unidirectional. By incorporating speakers inside your pillow, the smart pillow offers a solution.
It is clearly not a practical solution if you share a bed with someone, but I really started loving it while I was listening to ambient noise recordings.