Many people have difficulty falling asleep fast, and many have tried everything throughout the years in search of a restful night’s sleep. Listening to music, white noise, or ASMR to assist you go asleep appears to be an effective technique.
Unfortunately, the majority of headphones and earbuds are unsuitable for use while sleeping and can cause substantial discomfort overnight. It is normal for people to fall asleep initially, but then awaken shortly after rolling onto their side or front. We want to recommend headphones that can help you get a good night’s sleep.
Therefore, what should you look for while selecting the best headphones for sleeping? Well, I intended for this post to serve as both a buyer’s guide for certain types of headphones and a forum for discussing different sleep-inducing methods and alternatives to headphones. I will provide you with 10 options for headphones and earphones that will help you obtain a full night’s sleep, as well as a selection of products that are meant to increase sleep quality and are priced accordingly.
List of the Best Headphones For Sleeping 2023
1. SLEEPPHONES EFFORTLESS FOR SLEEPING
The Sleepphones Effortless are the most effective sleeping headphones. They are also cordless and equipped with induction charging, making them the most user-friendly and straightforward. It’s the best model I’ve ever used, and it drastically changed my sleeping patterns.
By focusing on the primary selling factors, we may determine what distinguishes them from the competition. They include a headband design that is exceptionally comfortable because it is less likely to become dislodged during sleep movement. Traditional headphones detach, and earbuds can be extracted.
More often than not, when I awoke in the morning, the Sleepphones were still on my head as I had left them the night before.
Importantly, the speaker diaphragms of the Sleepphones are incredibly thin, flexible, and do not cause discomfort when sleeping on the side. The materials used allow them to be flexible, so they fit to your ears, and the entire structure is padded generously for additional comfort.
The most crucial aspect of the Sleepphones is their wireless capability. You will no longer be tethered to your sleep. If you awaken and need to use the restroom or get a glass of water, you do not have to disconnect your phone or music player and reset everything when you return. It is extraordinarily liberating and the primary reason I suggest this paradigm over all others.
The battery life is exceptional at 12 hours, and it can be recharged in only two hours.
2. MAXROCKS SLEEPING EARPHONES FOR MEN AND WOMEN
These headphones are excellent for side sleepers. The Maxrock Sleep Earphones are my second-favorite product. Traditionally, I would recommend sleeping with earbuds since as you roll onto your side, they tend to push deeper into your ear canal, causing discomfort.
The Maxrock, however, is so little and quiet that I can sleep with them all night. However, if you lose them in the dark, good luck trying to locate them.
3. WIRELESS SLEEP HEADPHONES AND EYE-MASK COMBO
These non-brand models are proliferating and are available from multiple online retailers. They are an all-in-one device that includes both an eye mask and headphones.
This will appeal to many people because it eliminates the need to search in the dark for two items instead of just one.
I was first hesitant, but they have performed admirably, cost less than $20, and last for nine hours on a single charge. Nevertheless, there is a discernible difference in quality and design between them and the Sleepphones we ranked first. They are a little less durable and have significantly thicker speakers, which may cause some pain with firm cushions.
4. Adaptive sound engineering technologies SOUND + SLEEP
The Sound+Sleep is one of the most advanced sleep speakers on the market, while not being headphones.
Ok, so this is not a pair of headphones, but I was so delighted with the new Sound + Sleep that I felt it deserved a spot on this list.
I’ve tried various white noise devices over my lifelong struggle with insomnia, but none have been as intuitive and versatile as the Sound Sleep.
The device is a noise generator with several settings and realistic noises that can be modified easily using the front panel buttons.
It is the greatest speaker of its sort that I have tried, and I no longer need to use my phone in bed.
5. FINAL AUDIO DESIGN E3000 FOR SLEEPING COMFORT
Final Audio e3000 earphones are small and comfy, making them ideal for sleeping.
I wanted to provide the e3000 as a versatile option. Something that can be worn to bed but also sounds wonderful during the day.
The sound quality of the e3000 blew us away when we reviewed it earlier this year, and its compact size makes it the ideal earphone for sleeping.
Consider it an upgrade from the Maxrock version I described above.
6. DOLIDA EYEMASK WITH BUILT IN SPEAKERS
These are extremely similar in appearance to the Headbands above, but have more of an eyemask shape.
Since many people who have difficulties sleeping also use an eye mask, it is a good idea to combine the two things into a single package.
The built-in controls for volume, play, and pause are useful in the dark because you don’t have to struggle with your phone.
7. ZERO AUDIO TENORE DX200 SLEEPING COMFORT HEADPHONE
If you wish to buy a pair of earbuds with incredible sound quality, there is an additional excellent alternative.
The Zero Audio DX200 has received a lot of accolades in the past due to the fact that they sound like earbuds that cost far more.
Due of their design, I used them for sleeping for a time. When implanted, the body is small and provides no discomfort when sleeping on the side. When side-sleeping, the angle of the cable exit also keeps them away from the skin.
I also like that I could use them to listen to music during the day at a price that was comparable to that of a specialized sleep set.
8. SLEEPPHONES MASK FOR COMFORTABLE SLEEPING
The original Sleepphones have a cable but are significantly less expensive than the wireless model.
These appear to be ordinary headband-style speakers, however AcousticSheep is the market-leading brand with an outstanding reputation. They are the first company to provide buyers with three distinct sizes and six color options.
They are more expensive than competing brands, yet they possess a distinct advantage. The headband may be wirelessly charged using the provided nightstand charging pad. When you wake up in the morning, remove the headband and set it on this pad; the headphones should begin charging immediately.
9. AGPTEK SLEEP EARBUDS FOR MEN AND WOMEN
They are inexpensive and small, and they fit snugly in the ear without any strain relief, causing discomfort. They may not sound as well as some of the higher-end versions on this list, but they include an inbuilt control so you don’t have to get up in the middle of the night to access your phone or music player.
According to studies, blue light can severely disrupt your sleep pattern, therefore the ability to regulate your volume without having to look at a screen should assist you in sleeping longer and more soundly.
A budget-friendly solution that will provide many years of service due to its sturdy metal construction.
10. YOGASLEEP DOHM FAN BASED SLEEP MACHINE
The Dohm is one of the oldest and most trustworthy sleep machines available.
The Dohm has existed since 1962 and is the most well-known white noise generator ever created. This variant features two settings and an internal fan. It produces natural, realistic white noise to lull you to sleep, and its volume may be adjusted via the ventilation system.
HEADPHONES TYPES FOR SLEEPING COMFORT
The majority of headphones are not meant for this function, but fortunately, numerous companies have stepped up to fill the need. a growing number of manufacturers now produce headphones designed for use when falling asleep. While they may not be as excellent as an ordinary pair of headphones, they will be quite useful for our purposes.
Below, we divide the purchasing procedure into several distinct phases and product categories to assist you in locating the ideal bundle. Before making a purchase, consider how you sleep and which of these mattresses best fits your needs. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or contact us through email, and we will do our best to assist you in making the right decision.
QUALITY BUILT
The majority of headphones are worn when awake, and as a result, they are not subjected to the strain or abuse that could result from sleeping on them.
In addition to making touch with the pillow while sleeping, you will also turn and roll. It can cause severe wear and tear on standard headphones, so you will need devices that can withstand abuse. We are looking for headphones made specifically for sleeping or existing models that we can modify for this purpose. The materials and construction type have a significant impact in the headphones’ long-term durability.
COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES FOR SIDE SLEEPERS?
Comfort is a crucial aspect of the purchasing procedure. Ultimately, if you are not comfortable, you will have difficulty going asleep and even more difficulty staying asleep.
You should select headphones that you would be willing to use for eight hours of sleep without experiencing pain or discomfort.
If you have problems with certain types of headphones during the day, you can bet that these problems will be exacerbated at night. The headphones selected below are more suitable for side sleepers, but they may not be ideal. In this category, concessions can be necessary.
You may also find that there is an adjustment period during which you must become accustomed to sleeping with your new headphones. Some discomfort can be handled, but not tolerated, with time and the proper pillow.
SHOULD WE CONSIDER SOUND WHEN BUYING HEADPHONES FOR SLEEPING?
When selecting headphones for sleeping, your considerations should be somewhat different from when selecting headphones for listening to music.
In this scenario, you shouldn’t be concerned with absolute fidelity; rather, you should opt for something that doesn’t do anything jarring or obnoxious that could disturb your sleep. A distracting background hiss or a strong treble spike are examples of this. Both of these sounds can be sufficiently disturbing that they prevent you from falling asleep.
In terms of sound quality, you want your headphones or earbuds to be neutral and unobtrusive. Neutral and balanced headphones with low impedance perform well here, but I would also disregard a pair of headphones with subdued highs and a warm presentation.
OVER-EAR HEADPHONES VS. ON-EAR HEADPHONES VS. IN-EAR HEADPHONES
Not all headphone designs are ideal for sleeping, and you presumably already have a clear notion of what you’re searching for.
A hefty pair of full-size headphones will be difficult to keep on your head, leaving you with little room for mobility. If you sleep on your side, your in-ear headphones (earphones) may be pushed deeper into the ear canal.
There are workarounds for existing designs and models that are superior to others, and we list them below.
In addition, a number of companies have developed headphones specifically for sleep. Some of these are distinctive and not something you would wear in public, but they are ideal for usage in bed.
HOW MUCH SHOULD THE SLEEPING HEADPHONES BE?
I would think that you can get away with inexpensive headphones for sleeping. In the end, their purpose is to help you fall asleep, and when you’re asleep, you won’t be listening critically. The good news is that most manufacturers of sleep-specific headphones do not charge exorbitant prices. The ones who succeed (the Sleepphones at the top of our list are well worth it)
Alternatives to headphones for improved sleep
Before I discuss the ten greatest headphones for sleeping, I thought I’d provide you with a handful of alternatives that may help you fall asleep more quickly. Several of these have worked successfully for me in the past, so I believe they are noteworthy.
FOAM EARPLUGS FOR REDUCING NOISE
No, not the set you received at the hotel or some other discarded scrap of foam. After trying numerous noise-blocking earplugs for sleeping in the past, I have settled on the Howard Leight Laser Lite Plugs as the best.
Avoid other brands and even HL’s models with greater decibel ratings; the yellow and pink laser lite devices are the ones you want. These are the most comfortable and effective sleeping earplugs I have ever used, and I highly recommend them. With a package of 200 pairs costing approximately $20 and lasting up to ten uses each, you can purchase these in bulk and save significantly.
I cannot emphasize enough the benefits I have seen since using these headphones, which are extremely comfortable and block out a significant amount of external noise. These are truly game-changing for me.
CUSTOM-FORMED EARPLUGS FOR ASSURANCE OF COMFORT
In the past, I had some luck with custom-molded earplugs, but I now prefer the disposable variety indicated above.
The Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs are the most effective earplugs I have tried. This is a set of DIY custom ear molds that you manufacture at home, and they fit your outer ear perfectly. It takes around 10 minutes to create a set of reusable earplugs that block out a significant amount of external noise. The method is a bit complicated, so obtain assistance if you believe you’ll need it.
PYLE BLUETOOTH PILLOW SPEAKER
Sometimes I wish I were single again so I could use a smart pillow again. About a year ago, this was my remedy for a restful night’s sleep. One of the disadvantages of using a bedside speaker, for example, is that the sound is unidirectional. The smart pillow solves this problem by incorporating speakers into the pillow.
I began to appreciate it more after listening to recordings of ambient noise, although obviously it is not a practical option if you share a bed.