Everyone suffers from a bad night’s sleep from time to time, but for some people it’s a constant struggle to fall asleep and stay there.
We’ve all heard the advice from the pros, like avoiding technology before bed, exercising regularly, using white noise machines, and not eating within two hours of bed. But there’s one option worth trying that might just do the trick: a pair of sleep headphones.
Why use headphones to sleep?
- They can help block out distracting noises like traffic in busy areas or the television in the next room.
- If racing thoughts are keeping you up at night, a pair of sleep headphones can help you channel your thoughts, relax, and de-stress by listening to sleep music or sounds. It can also help trigger the release of dopamine and decrease cortisol levels.
- They’re actually more comfortable than they look with plenty of padded options for added comfort
- Listening to relaxing music before bed can also decrease heart rate and blood pressure
With all that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best sleep headphones and earbuds on the market so you can stop counting sheep.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publication.
Best Headphones for Sleeping
AcousticSheep Sleep Phones
THE AcousticSheep Sleep Phones are headband-style sleep headphones built with flat speakers and stretchy, moisture-wicking fleece fabric for added comfort. Available in little, AVERAGE And bigYou’ll get up to 24 hours of battery life per charge, which will last you two nights and more. Buy your pair today in one of five available colors.
The best headphones for sleeping
Anker Sleep A20 Soundcore Headphones
Extremely advanced and intuitive, the Sleep A20 Headphones are passive noise-blocking devices with smart controls that automatically adjust to room sound levels. You’ll get up to 14 hours of battery life.
By connecting to the Soundcore app, you can create your sleep playlist and manage and customize your listening settings. The app can also provide sleep analytics and details about time spent awake, including how often you toss and turn and what position you primarily sleep in.
LEARN MORE: Our honest thoughts on the Soundcore open-ear headphones
The Best Headphone and Sleep Mask Combos
LC-Dolida Headphones and Sleep Mask
These earbuds feature a memory foam interior and silk lining and offer up to 10 hours of battery life after a two-hour charge. They can fit comfortably around the nose to block out light with flat speakers on each side. One buyer says the speakers “are so comfortable you literally can’t feel them.”
Best Light Blocking Sleep Headphones
SleepEZ Dreamy Sounds Sleep Mask
This SleepEZ Dreamy Sounds Sleep Mask The earbuds contour to your eyes and nose bridge with memory foam padding. With up to 15 hours of battery life, you can pair them with the SleepEz app to listen to music as well as white noise, podcasts, and audiobooks. You can adjust the speaker placement for optimal sound quality and set a sleep timer after one or two hours.
Renpho EyeSnooze Sleep Mask
THE Renpho EyeSnooze Use 3D eye sockets that fit around your eyes and block out any light. The mask is covered in suede and silk and the ear cups and memory foam inside can be moved to suit your sleeping position and comfort.
With up to 10 hours of battery life, you can use these headphones without a timer or set them to turn off after 30 minutes. You can choose to play white noise or a set playlist when connected to your device via Bluetooth.
LEARN MORE: Save on your self-care with these deals designed to help you relax
Best High-Tech Sleep Headphones
HoomBand
This adjustable elastic sleep headband connects to your device so you can use Apple Music, Spotify, Soundcloud, Mediatopia, and Audible. If you choose to use the Hoom app, you can listen to stories, music, and relaxing sounds that have been selected by sleep experts just for you. It offers up to 10 hours of battery life per charge, and you can listen to the audio on the app even when you’re disconnected from the internet.
Affordable Sleep Headphones
MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones
With a six-layer design, the MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones use cotton and velvet to sit comfortably on your face and around your nose to block out light. Its HD speaker system has received rave reviews, with one buyer saying, “The speakers can be adjusted forward and back so they rest on your ears” and have “enough padding that I can sleep on my side and they don’t press on my ears or cause any discomfort.”
Ideal for side sleepers
1MORE Sleep Z30 Wireless Headphones
THE 1MORE Sleep Z30 Headphones The earbuds weigh 2.7g each and measure just 7.5mm, so they won’t stick out of your ears or become uncomfortable when you’re lying on your side. When connected to the 1MORE MUSIC app, you can choose between two listening modes and listen to 30 different soothing sounds. You can also set five timers that will pause the music when they detect that you’ve fallen asleep.
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