You are probably used to using your headphones to stay entertained during a workout or a long commute. But did you know that headphones can provide a source of ambient sounds or light, soothing music to help you sleep at night

woman-sleeping-in-bed

Photo Credit: Kinga Cichewicz on Unsplash

This is especially helpful if you’ve been having trouble falling asleep or if racing thoughts are keeping you up. But the benefits of listening to music to enhance your quality of sleep don’t end there.

Benefits of Sleeping With Headphones

According to the National Sleep Foundation, bedtime listening can help you wake up less during the night, and feel more rested in the morning.

Music has a relaxing effect and it releases feel-good chemicals in your brain. Soothing sounds can even help lower your heart and slow your breathing — a most welcome effect after stressful day.

Headphones You Can Wear in Bed

When shopping for the perfect pair of headphones to wear at night, you want quality, of course, but long battery life and comfort are also important.

Other deciding factors include a good noise-cancelling function (extra noise could keep your brain alert), wired versus wireless (getting caught up in a wire while moving during the night is not ideal), and earbud versus cup or speaker styles (this mostly comes down to personal preference and the shape of your ear). 

Ready to start shopping? We’ve rounded up some of the best headphones for sleeping below.

Sleepace Nox Music


Best For: Tech addicts who want to elevate their sleep experience as a whole

Sleepace, a leading brand in medical-grade sleep solutions for the home, recently debuted the latest product in its Smart Sleep Light lineup, Nox Music. The smart alarm, wake-up light and Bluetooth speaker is designed to turn your bedroom into a sleep-friendly environment.

SEE IT: $149.00 at Amazon.com

SOUL Electronics: X-TRA Wireless

 

Best for: Sleepers who easily feel overheated during the night

These performance Bluetooth over-ear headphones feature functions such as up to 24 hours of playtime, fast charge with 150 minutes of playback time for a 15-minute charge, and a breathable headband designed to provide a cooling sensation. The foldable design allows for easy storage on your bedside table. 

SEE IT: $133.32 at Amazon.com

 

COBY Equinox Stereo

Best for: Those looking for a budget-friendly option

These headphones drive clear sound, precise highs and big bass directly to your ears. The plush ear cushions ensure hours of comfort while you are listening and don’t want the music to end. 

SEE IT: $17.90 at Amazon.com

 

AfterShokz Trekz Titanium


Best For: Parents and sleepers who still want to remain alert if needed

Designed to ensure the ultimate level of awareness and comfort without compromising on premium sound, Trekz Titanium are wireless, open-ear sport headphones.

These headphones use bone-conduction technology to transmit audio waves to the inner ears through the skull, bypassing the eardrums completely. That means you can place them on your cheekbones, just in front of your ears, which leaves your ear canals open, allowing you to remain alert and aware of ambient sounds while you enjoy your music. 

SEE IT: $110.00 at Amazon.com

JAM Audio: JAM Comfort Buds

Best For: People who don’t want to keep their phones next to them at night

These lightweight Bluetooth earbuds feature an ergonomic collar for comfortable wear and allows you to play 10 hours of music on a single charge. It also pairs easily with any Bluetooth device in a 50-foot range. 

SEE IT: $39.88 at Amazon.com 

AcousticSheep Headband Headphones

Best For: People who can’t stand wearing earbuds for long periods of time

Lull yourself to sleep or create an ultra-comfortable listening experience anywhere with soft headband headphones.

Two speakers are built inside each headband — simply position the headband over your ears. There are no earbuds digging into your ears, and no worry that they’ll fall out. Stream your own soothing playlist via Bluetooth.

SEE IT: $61.09 at Amazon.com

Music and Sounds to Listen to While Sleeping

“Go for soothing songs that you like—specifically ones that have a slow rhythm of 60 to 80 BPM,” outlined the National Sleep Foundation in its Sleep & Music article.

“[Spotify], which recently polled its users’ “sleep” playlists to identify the top 20 songs for shuteye, found that British singer Ed Sheeran is currently the most popular artist to snooze to.”

You may also look into Autonomous Sensory Meridian Experience (ASMR) audio recordings — the phenomenon, caused by the pleasant sensations some digital triggers such as soft sounds and whispers, has been dubbed “an orgasm for the brain.”


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