Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Build Quality
Most headphones are used while awake; thus, they are not put under the strain or abuse you might see when sleeping on your headphones.
When you sleep, you will contact the pillow, turn, and roll. This can cause wear and strain on ordinary headphones, so you need tough and durable models ready to take the abuse.
We are looking for headphones designed explicitly for sleeping or existing models that we can adapt to suit this purpose. The materials used and the type of construction can play a significant role in long-term durability.
What headphones are comfortable for side sleepers?
Comfort is a hugely critical factor in the buying process. After all, if you aren’t comfortable, you will have problems falling asleep quickly and even more trouble staying asleep.
You want to choose headphones you would be happy to wear when you try to get a full 8 hours of sleep without experiencing pain or discomfort.
If you have any issues with particular styles of headphones during the day, then you can bet that this will be further amplified at night. The headphones we have chosen below are better for side sleepers, but they might not be perfect. In this category, some compromises may need to be made.
You may also find a period of adjustment where you need to get comfortable with how you wear your new headphones when sleeping. With time and the right pillow, discomfort can be managed but not tolerated.
Is sound Quality important when choosing headphones for sleeping?
The sound is hugely important when choosing a set of headphones, but your priorities should be somewhat different when choosing them to sleep in.
In this case, you shouldn’t worry about out-and-out fidelity; instead, you should be looking for something that doesn’t do anything jarring or annoying that might put you off your sleep. Examples of this could be a distracting background hiss or even a sharp treble spike. Both of these can be off-putting enough that you start thinking about the sound rather than getting to sleep.
When it comes to sound, you want your headphones or earphones to be smooth and inoffensive. Neutral and balanced headphones with low impedance do well here, but I also would look past a set of headphones with toned-down high notes and some warmth to the presentation.
Over-Ear Headphones vs. On-Ear Headphones vs. In-ear headphones
Not all headphone styles are best suited for sleeping; you will probably know what you are looking for from the start.
A bulky full-size set of headphones will have trouble staying on your head and thus give you very little room for movement. In-ear headphones (earphones) may push deep into the canal if you sleep on your side.
We have included below workarounds for existing designs and models that will work better than others.
Additionally, several companies have designed earphones especially for sleep. Some of these are unique and not what you would want to be seen on the street, but they are fantastic for use in bed.
Can Sleeping With Headphones Kill You?
The chances of your headphones killing you in your sleep are so low that it’s almost negligible, but there have been cases. This usually resolves to two areas: lack of awareness and the cord tangling around one’s airways.
Does sleeping with headphones cause cancer?
Surprisingly, this question is frequently asked, but there is no evidence linking the use of headphones to an increased chance of cancer.
Most of the concerns concern wireless or Bluetooth headphones and false claims that prolonged exposure during a night’s sleep increases the chances of developing the disease.
This is not the case, and studies have debunked it over the past few years. If you want to read more about this subject, read this informative article by the American Cancer Society, which briefly explains how the radio frequencies in Bluetooth headphones affect our cells.
Is it safe to sleep with headphones on?
Sleeping with headphones is generally considered safe if the volume does not exceed 85db. There are many health benefits from a good night’s rest, such as reduced stress and fatigue. So, if headphones are something that helps you sleep better, it is a good idea to use them.
However, you should remain vigilant about where you wear your headphones when sleeping in places where you should be situationally aware or may need to hear an alarm, for example.
Updates:
This list of the best headphones for sleeping has been updated and is current as of Q1 2025
