Sleeping with earplugs has been a topic of much debate, and for good reason. On one hand, earplugs can be a godsend for light sleepers, blocking out ambient noise and helping to create a peaceful sleep environment. On the other, habitual use of earplugs has been associated with certain risks, including earwax buildup, ear infections, and even hearing loss.
This article aims to explore both the advantages and potential drawbacks of sleeping with earplugs, arming you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
is it safe to wear earplugs while sleeping?
Yes, it's safe to use earplugs for sleeping, provided you adhere to the necessary precautions like cleaning them regularly. Earplugs are a budget-friendly solution for enhancing the quality of your sleep. They help you evade sleep deprivation, which can severely impact your mental and physical health as well as your everyday life.
The Benefits
Experiencing quality sleep is crucial for overall health, and for many, the use of earplugs is the necessary solution to eliminate disruptive noises, such as nearby traffic or a snoring partner. The significance of this sleep aid stems from the importance of not just the amount, but the quality of sleep one receives. Unwanted noise can interrupt deep sleep, causing detrimental effects, as the body requires time to return to this deep sleep phase after each disruption.
A 2006 report indicates that chronic low-quality sleep can increase the risk of numerous health conditions, including high blood pressure, strokes, diabetes, heart attacks, obesity, and depression. Furthermore, a 2012 report associates poor sleep with inflammation and decreased immune functionality, negatively affecting your health. Therefore, the use of earplugs to improve sleep quality delivers benefits extending beyond merely ensuring a good night's sleep.
What does the research say?
Research reveals that earplugs, being safe and cost-effective, can contribute significantly to enhancing sleep quality. In certain instances, their use in conjunction with eye masks can promote an increase in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the deepest phase of sleep that facilitates crucial processes like memory consolidation. Besides, earplugs could result in elevated melatonin levels, a hormone that signals the body when it's time to sleep. Compared to other sleep-inducing methods, such as over-the-counter and prescription sleeping aid, earplugs induce fewer side effects like dizziness and daytime drowsiness.
Risks
The habitual use of earplugs can potentially lead to a buildup of earwax, creating a risk of temporary hearing impairment and tinnitus. Although earplugs alone cannot directly cause permanent tinnitus or hearing loss, reusing the same set can foster bacterial growth and subsequent infection if neglected, potentially resulting in permanent damage. Simultaneously, regular sleeping with earplugs may pose external risks, such as not hearing alarms, phone calls, or a baby's cry.
To mitigate these risks, ensure daily cleaning or replacement of earplugs, especially if they start to exhibit discoloration or odors due to wax accumulation, which can enable bacterial transfer from hands to ears. Additionally, it's crucial to handle earplugs with clean, dry hands and insert them only into clean, dry ears to prevent any potential infections or cross-contamination.
Side Effects
While earplugs are generally considered safe, they do come with a few potential side effects. Over time, regular use of earplugs can lead to earwax buildup as they push the wax deeper into your ear. This buildup can result in problems such as temporary hearing loss and tinnitus. To alleviate this, the wax needs to be softened using ear drops or removed by a medical professional.
Additionally, earplugs can also be a source of ear infections, which can occur due to the accumulation of earwax or the growth of bacteria on the earplugs. These infections tend to be painful and, if left untreated, can lead to lasting complications, including hearing loss.
Best way to use Earplugs
Correct usage of earplugs can significantly lower the risk of experiencing any unwanted side effects. To safely utilize earplugs, firstly roll the earplug using clean fingers until it's slim enough to fit into your ear. Then, pull your earlobe away from your head and insert the earplug just far enough to block the noise. It's essential not to push it too far in, as this may irritate your eardrum's lining. For foam earplugs, keep your hand over your ear until the earplug expands and fills your ear.
If you're using disposable earplugs, especially foam ones, remember to replace them every few days. You can extend their lifespan by washing them daily in warm water with mild soap, but ensure they are completely dry before reinserting them.
