There are many scenarios where earplugs are worn. Most people wear them when in noisy places, including sports functions and concerts. However, did you know that earplugs could help you sleep better too? Well, just in case you didn’t, many people wear them when going to sleep, and they get a myriad of benefits doing so too. So how exactly do they work and what exactly are the benefits of sleeping with earplugs? Better yet, how do you choose the best earplugs for you? Here’s all you need to know about sleeping with earplugs.
They Block Out Noise
Simply put, earplugs work by blocking unwanted noise that could otherwise interrupt your sleep or even keep you from falling asleep. This could be noise from traffic, loud music from noisy neighbors, snoring bed partner, and even in traveling environments such as airplanes. They are designed in such a way that you fit them in the ears and they just keep outside noise from bugging your drums.
The Real Benefit of Wearing Earplugs to Bed
Your sleep quality has a huge impact on your health in many ways. Many studies have shown that earplugs can actually improve your sleep quality as well as quantity. This is mostly because even if you managed to sleep and you’re woken up by some kind of noise (especially when in the deep sleep phase), it can take quite a while before you fall asleep again. As a matter of fact, research has it that over time, low-quality sleep can increase your risk of depression, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke as well as low immunity and inflammation.
Choosing the Best Earplugs for Sleeping
If you want to enjoy the utmost benefits of sleeping with them, choosing a good quality set of earplugs is paramount. Experts that brought you listeningstack.com sleep products suggest that it is important to consider the following factors before buying your new set of earplugs.
1. Understand the various types
There are various types of earplugs, which are basically based on the type of material they’re made from. These include foam, silicone, and custom-molded models.
Foam Based Earplugs – Usually made from Polyurethane, these earplugs are easy to insert into the ear canal where they slowly expand to block the noise off while you sleep. They’re disposable and relatively affordable. However, you will want to pick the right size to ensure they don’t fall off.
Silicone Earplugs – Made from a soft, gel-like material, these earplugs are mostly popular amongst musicians, sports lovers, and DJs. They are breathable and thus ideal for those who sweat at night. They can also be used for headphones too. However, they tend to be the least comfortable to sleep with.
Custom-Molded Earplugs – As the name suggests, these ones are made to fit the ear canal of the user, mostly using wax and silicone material. They tend to provide the best comfort and performance experience. Nonetheless, their price tends to be a bit on the high-end.
2. One-time vs reusable models
Some models are designed to be used only once, whereas others can be reused. For the reusable earplugs, you will want to clean them regularly to avoid contamination as you could get your ears infected. Most disposable earplugs are sold in bulk.
3. Shape and Size
As mentioned earlier, earplugs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It is up to you to choose a size that best provides you with comfort… and a shape that best matches your tastes and preferences.
In conclusion, earplugs can be a great way to enhance the quality of your sleep. However, it all depends on whether or not you know how to choose a good one, and the pointers above cover just this.
