Getting quality sleep every night is essential to every aspect of your health. If you are a light sleeper finding yourself struggling to catch some z’s, you may be wondering if sleeping with earplugs is right for you.
The Health Risks of Poor Sleep
When it comes to sleep, quality is just as important as quantity. If you’re constantly getting woken up during the night by a snoring partner or street traffic, you’re not getting the amount of deep sleep that you need. This can have lasting health consequences. Frequent poor sleep has been associated with conditions like:
- High blood pressure
- Depression and anxiety
- Diabetes
- Increased risk of heart attack and/or stroke
Earplugs May Improve Sleep Quality
Earplugs can help block out distracting sounds and significantly improve your sleep. A 2021 study looked to determine the effect of using earplugs and eye masks on sleep quality and found that sleep disturbance was statistically significantly lower in patients with earplugs.
You have several options to choose from when it comes to earplugs, and what you choose will largely just depend on personal preference.
- Foam is the cheapest option. They are also very soft and comfortable for sleeping. However, their material makes them a good environment for bacteria, so you need to replace them regularly to avoid complications like infection.
- Soft silicone earplugs provide a comfortable fit and can mold to the size of your ear. However, they may not block out sound quite as well as other types.
- Wax is similar to silicone in its ability to mold to your ear and also is very effective at blocking sound.
These earplugs can be found online or in drugstores like Hodgson’s Pharmacy.
Are There Any Risks To Sleeping With Earplugs?
Sleeping with earplugs is generally safe. However, regular use does come with some potential risks. Over time, they may push earwax back into your ear canal, causing a buildup. This can cause issues like ear pressure, tinnitus and temporary hearing loss. They may also increase your risk of ear infection, either from the wax buildup or because of bacteria growing on them.
Contact your doctor if you notice symptoms of either condition and ask what you can do to minimize your risk while sleeping with earplugs.
Seek Treatment for Continuing Sleep Problems
If you find that you’re still waking up regularly or feeling tired from a lack of sleep, make an appointment with a sleep specialist. You may be suffering from a sleep disorder like sleep apnea or another condition that’s causing you to miss out on crucial hours of sleep.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call ENT of Athens today.