Can You Sleep with AirPods In? Exploring Safety and Comfort
Short Answer:
Yes, you can sleep with AirPods in, but it may have potential risks such as ear infections, discomfort, and possible hearing damage due to prolonged exposure to sound.
“Can You Sleep with AirPods In?” – Sounds like a familiar thought, doesn’t it?
We’ve all had those late nights, lying in bed, engrossed in an podcast or soothing music, not wanting to take off our AirPods. But, is it okay to drift off to dreamland with them still in?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll address your concerns and dig deep into the realities and potential issues of sleeping with AirPods. We’ll take a look at everything – the good, the bad, and the slightly uncomfortable.
Let’s dive in.
Why Would You Sleep with AirPods In?
Many people use AirPods or similar devices while sleeping for several reasons. Some find comfort in listening to soft music, white noise, or calming podcasts that help them fall asleep.
Others use sleep tracking apps that require earbuds to monitor their sleep patterns accurately. However, can you sleep with AirPods in without causing harm or discomfort?
I like to wear my AirPods to sleep because it helps clear my restless mind. I enjoy putting on a podcast, or some light music, and drifting off to sleep.
Potential Risks of Sleeping with AirPods In
While sleeping with AirPods in might seem harmless, it does come with certain potential risks:
- Ear Infections: The closed-off environment when you have earbuds in your ears can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to possible ear infections over time.
- Hearing Damage: Exposure to continuous sound, even at low volume, can potentially lead to hearing damage over time. This risk increases if you’re listening at high volumes.
- Discomfort or Pain: The hard plastic casing of the AirPods can cause discomfort or pain when pressed against the ear for extended periods, such as during sleep.
- Battery Life: Leaving your AirPods in all night will significantly drain their battery, shortening the overall lifespan of the device.
- EMF Radiation: AirPods emit a type of low-level electromagnetic radiation known as radiofrequency radiation. Although it’s within safe regulatory limits, the potential long-term effects of continuous exposure, especially during sleep, are still under study. For more information on this, check out our are AirPods bad for your brain article.
Personally, I tend to have ear pain when trying to fall sleep with AirPods in. The pressure from the side I’m laying on forces the AirPod deep into my ear, causing a lot of discomfort.
On top of that, it is difficult to find my AirPods when I wake up because they’re usually scattered somewhere in my room, and when I do find them, the battery is usually dead.
Despite all of this, I still wear my AirPods to sleep.
Can You Sleep With AirPods In?
Now that you understand the risks, let’s get right to the questions.
The simple answer is yes, you can sleep with AirPods in, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should. While they may be convenient for listening to soothing sounds, podcasts, or music as you fall asleep, there are several considerations to keep in mind.
As previously discussed, there are potential risks associated with sleeping with AirPods in, such as ear infections, accidental ingestion, EMF radiation, hearing damage, discomfort or pain, and diminished battery life.
On top of that, consistent use of AirPods during sleep can potentially lead to an over-reliance on audio stimulus to fall asleep, which might affect your sleep quality in the long run.
However, if you still choose to sleep with your AirPods in, it is advisable to maintain a low volume to protect your hearing and clean your AirPods regularly to reduce the risk of ear infections. Also, try not to sleep on your side to avoid discomfort or pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any health risks associated with sleeping with AirPods in?
Yes, there could be potential health risks such as ear infections, hearing damage, and discomfort due to prolonged use.
Can sleeping with AirPods in cause ear infections?
Yes, if AirPods are not cleaned regularly and are used for extended periods, it can potentially lead to ear infections.
Will sleeping with AirPods in damage my hearing?
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can lead to potential hearing damage, so it’s recommended to maintain a low volume if you choose to sleep with AirPods in.
Do AirPods emit radiation while I sleep?
While AirPods do emit a small amount of radiation, it is well within the safety limits prescribed by health authorities.
Is it okay to sleep with AirPods Pro in?
Yes, AirPods Pro can be used for sleeping due to their noise-cancelling feature, but similar risks as regular AirPods apply.
by Ken
Ken is a Data Analyst in the Healthcare industry and the owner and sole contributor to The Wearable Guy.