What to know about sleeping with earplugs

Earplugs are generally safe to use while sleeping. However, it is possible that frequent use can lead to some minor problems in the long run, such as earwax buildup.

Sometimes, noise from the environment can disrupt sleep. For example, having a bedroom that faces a busy street can affect sleep duration. However, disrupted sleep may also be a problem when trying to sleep in different environments, such as on a plane.

Earplugs can significantly reduce the amount of sound entering the ears, which may help people get to sleep in noisy environments.

This article will discuss the safety of earplugs and the benefits they can provide.

Safety

Using earplugs is a great way to block out surrounding noises that can disturb a natural sleep pattern.

Not all noises have a negative effect on sleep. For example, some people find white noise or music helpful for falling asleep.

In many cases, however, noise can make it difficult to fall asleep or to get a full night's sleep.

Earplugs could promote good sleep for people who live in a noisy neighborhood or want to get some sleep on a flight.

What does the research say?

Research showsTrusted Source that earplugs are a safe and affordable way of improving sleep quality.

In some cases, the use of earplugs, along with eye masks, can increase rapid eye movement (REM) sleepTrusted Source. REM sleep is the deepest form of sleep and supports several important processes, such as memory consolidation.

Earplugs may also increase melatonin levels. Melatonin is a hormone that controls when the body is ready for sleep.

Compared with some other methods of inducing sleep, earplugs have fewer side effects. For example, both over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills can have a range of side effects, such as dizziness and daytime drowsiness.

Types and how to use

It is important to use earplugs appropriately, depending on their type.

For expandable foam earplugs, roll them into a tight cylindrical shape and insert halfway into the ear canal, where they will expand.

Other types of earplugs are cone-shaped and will not expand in the ear. Carefully insert the smaller end into the ear canal and gently push the earplug in to tighten.

The earplug should noticeably reduce sound but still be comfortable enough to sleep in. At first, using earplugs may feel unnatural. However, this feeling will go away over time.

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Risks

Although earplugs are safe to use in general, there is little information on how frequent use of earplugs over long periods of time could affect the ears.

One possible risk is a buildup of earwax. Earwax, or cerumen, is a waxy substance that helps protect the ear canal from water, bacteria, dead skin, and other harmful debris.

Earwax is important for maintaining good ear health, but it can also cause problems.

Repeatedly blocking the ear canal, such as with regular use of earplugs, can cause a buildup of earwax.

Having a buildup of earwax can cause:

itching and discomfort in the ear

tinnitus, a ringing noise in the ear

hearing difficulties

cough

dizziness

Treatments options for an earwax buildup include using medical eardrops or undergoing the direct removal of the earwax.

It is also possible for the regular use of earplugs to cause an ear infectionTrusted Source. This can occur as a result of bacteria entering the ear canal from the earplug itself or growing from a buildup of earwax.

An ear infection can cause symptoms that include:

dizziness

nausea

vomiting

hearing problems

itching and discomfort in the ear

tinnitus

It is possible to treat a bacterial ear infection by taking antibiotic medications.

Other benefits

Share on PinterestGetting enough sleep is essential for good health.

Earplugs can help improve the quality and duration of sleep. They can also allow people to take naps in public places and catch up on any missed sleep from the night before.

Getting enough sleep has a range of health benefits. A lack of sleep could increase the riskTrusted Source of chronic health conditions such as:

diabetes

heart disease

obesity

depression

Sleep deprivation can also have more immediate effects on the body and mind. Symptoms of sleep deprivation include:

drowsiness

problems concentrating

memory difficulties

reduced strength

increased risk of infection

mood swings

hallucinations

These symptoms can be highly disruptive to daily life. They can even be life threatening when they occur during driving or operating heavy machinery.

Earplugs can help people avoid sleep deprivation and the chronic health conditions it can cause. Adults should aim to get at least 7 hoursTrusted Source of sleep per night, while teenagers and children tend to need around 8–13 hours of sleep every night.

Source: Medical News Today