Listening to a podcast, audiobook or sounds of nature is a great way to relax and get to sleep faster. Here are the best sleeping headphones 2018. We round up the best headphones for sleeping so you don’t have to.
It’s no secret that technology has a negative impact on sleep (see below). Using technology before bed makes it harder for your brain to relax and this keeps you awake. Listening to a soothing noise (audiobook/music/sounds of nature etc) is a proven way to fall asleep faster. See also: The 7 Best power banks 2018.
However, wearing standard headphones in bed is an uncomfortable experience. Below we’ve rounded up the best headphones that have been specifically designed for sleeping.
Best headphones for sleeping 2018
1. SleepPhones V6: The BEST Bluetooth headphones for sleep
£59.99
Amazingly, there aren’t many wireless sleeping headphones. But of the few there are, this is the best set of Bluetooth headphones for sleeping. SleepPhones, as the name suggests are designed to help you sleep. That’s all. Other Bluetooth sleep headphones double up as exercise headphones, rather than focus on what really important here. Comfort! These don’t miss the brief. They’re a little expensive, but it’s a price worth paying if you don’t want to battle with tangled while trying to sleep.
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2. AGPtek ZS01 Sleep Headphones: The BEST wired headphones for sleep
£12.99
The AGPtek ZS01 represents another good sleep mask and headphone combo. Inside the mask, you’ll find a lightweight and breathable foam which protects two HD speakers. The mask comes with with a 4.92ft braided cable, which should be more than enough to reach your bedside table. There’s also small volume control wheel on the cord so you can effortlessly adjust the volume to find the perfect sleeping level.
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3. Hibermate Sleep Headphones & Sleeping Mask
£29.95
Hibermate has done well here. A sleep mask that doubles as sleeping headphones is a great solution to sleepless nights. The mast comes with a memory foam inner to give you added comfort against the flat 5mm speakers. The headphones come with a 3.3ft tangle-free kevlar-coated cable. You can also find a three-button remote on the wire to control volume and pause/play tracks. Hibermate even throws in a free airline adapter so you can use on flights.
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4. AcousticSheep SleepPhones V4
£9.99
There are no gimmicks here. The SleepPhones V4 offers a no nonsense solution to sleeping headphones. The headband comes in a range of different sizes, each offers two low profile speakers that rest next to your ears. The best bit? Because it’s a headband, you can simply twist the device to find the best position to keep the wire out of the way. “Pajamas for your ears” that’s the AcousticSheep SleepPhones’ tagline, and it’s pretty apt one.
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5. CozyPhones Sleep Headphones
£14.97
The idea of sleeping in a headband you’ve been running in is a difficult one to get your head around. However, the CozyPhones are machine washable (providing you remove the speakers first), so it’s a viable option… if you give them time to dry before bedtime. CozyPhones is not a one-size-fits-all product. Available in fleece, lycra and a third unnamed material, there are models to suit all climate. CozyPhones even offer a kids range for your little ones. CozyPhones are a great option that offers versatility and comfort while sleeping.
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6. Wireless Bluetooth Headband
£11.99
These look like an attractive option on the face of it. Advertised as Bluetooth headphones for sleeping and exercise. However, a close look at the user reviews shows that the speakers are too bulky for these to be classed as sleeping headphones. Great for exercise; uncomfortable for sleep. Avoid.
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How do headphones help you sleep?
The problem is caused by looking at smartphone screens right up until the minute you want to sleep. The knock-on effect of this is that your mind stays alert for longer and this disrupts your circadian rhythm (body clock). And it’s circadian rhythm triggers the release of a chemical called Melatonin (from the pineal gland in your brain) which helps you relax and sleep.
Dr Gregory Marcus led a study at the University of California to discover the effects of using a smartphone before going to be. He said, “more smartphone use around [bed] time, in particular, was associated with a longer time to fall asleep and worse sleep quality during the night.”
In short, using your smartphone at night leads to a delayed release of your body’s natural chemicals that help your mind switch off and go to sleep. Listening to headphones in bed is a great way to distract your mind and fall asleep faster.
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