Can You Sleep with AirPods in?
If you’re like me, you love your AirPods.
They are so convenient and easy to use.
But one question I get a lot is this: Can you catch some zzz with AirPods in?
The short answer is yes! You can sleep with your AirPods in. In fact, many people do.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re going to be wearing your AirPods overnight:
Table of Contents
Can you sleep with airpods in?
It is generally not recommended to sleep with AirPods in regularly, as this can lead to a number of potential problems. Constant sound in the ears can disrupt your sleep, even if the volume is low. This can lead to a lack of relaxation during your sleep, causing fatigue and drowsiness. Additionally, too much volume or prolonged listening can eventually cause hearing loss or excessive ear wax buildup.

If you choose to sleep with AirPods, it is important to take precautionary measures. Keep the volume low and limit the use of AirPods to a few hours a day.
Alternatively, if you want to listen to or background noise or music while sleeping without the cons of using AirPods, you could try a music headband or white noise machine. Airpods Max is also a cool stuff.
Benefits of wearing AirPods to bed
1. AirPods can be used to listen to white noise
With AirPods, you can listen to a variety of sounds for a good night’s sleep like calming music or white noise.
Music can help promote relaxation and clear the mind, while white noise can serve as earplugs to block out external disturbances. AirPods may also offer noise isolation, giving you an added edge at reaching your goal of using them for a better sleep.
2. Track your sleep
It can be used to track your sleep in order to get a better understanding of your sleeping patterns. Here is a step-by-step guide for monitoring your sleep with AirPods:
- Download the sleep tracker app on your device. Or you can use the built in Health app of the Iphone.
- Connect your AirPods to the app. This will allow the app to track your sleep accurately.
- Connect your Apple Watch as well and sleep with your Apple Watch at night
- Place the AirPods in your ears and make sure they are comfortable.
- Set a sleep goal in the sleep app. This will help the app track your sleep and provide you with accurate results.
- Go to bed and listen to calming music or white noise with your AirPods.
- When you wake up, the app will track your sleep and give you insights into the quality of your sleep.
- Analyze the data from the app and make changes to your sleep habits or environment as needed.
3. AirPods can be used to relax in the evening
AirPods can be used to relax in the evening in a variety of ways. Here are some step-by-step instructions and examples:
- Put on your AirPods. Make sure they fit comfortably and won’t be uncomfortable during the night.
- Choose the type of music or sounds you want to listen to. Listening to calm music or ASMR noises can be helpful if you have trouble sleeping or staying asleep.
- Set your volume. Make sure your volume is comfortable and not too loud.
- Drift off. Lay down in bed and let yourself drift off into a peaceful sleep while listening to the music or sounds.
Example:
If you want to relax in the evening, you can put on your AirPods and choose some calm music or ASMR noises. Set your volume to a comfortable level and let yourself drift off into a peaceful sleep. Listening to sound of rain or thunder before bed can create a relaxation response, leading to a faster, longer, and less disrupted night’s sleep.

What are the dangers of wearing AirPods to sleep?
1. Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation
Radio frequency radiation (RFR) is a type of non-ionizing radiation emitted by a variety of wireless technologies. The RFR emitted by devices such as AirPods, laptops, and cellphones is what allows for the wireless, short-distance data exchange. While the radiation emitted from AirPods is comparatively lower than that emitted by cellphones, it is still wise to consider the risk of long-term exposure, especially if you plan on sleeping with them in.
On the other hand, the FCC has set specific absorption rate (SAR) limits for AirPods, which determines the amount of RF energy absorbed by the user’s head when they are wearing the device. As long as the product meets the SAR limit, it is deemed safe for human use.
2. Potential for AirPods to Fall Out of Ears
Wearing AirPods while sleeping can lead to various risks, both short and long-term.
- In the short term, the AirPods may fall out of the ears when one tosses and rolls in bed, leading to mild annoyance and possibly losing the earbuds. In some cases, people with ears in particular shapes, such as cauliflower ears, may find it difficult to keep the AirPods in their ears for a longer time. Furthermore, small or invisible earbuds may make it harder to keep them in place. Worst of all, there is the potential to swallow the AirPods during sleep, as happened to one unfortunate person.
- In the long term, even if the AirPods don’t fall out, there is a greater chance of damaging them if worn while sleeping, as they could easily fall off and onto the floor while tossing and turning. Additionally, they could get lost somewhere if the person is a restless sleeper.
3. Possible Risk of Hearing Damage
The possible risks of wearing AirPods to sleep are manifold.
Using the AirPods for an extended period of time at a high volume can lead to hearing damage and physical discomfort.
Wax buildup in the ear can cause bacterial infections and lead to otitis externa.
AirPods can disrupt sleep if the charge dies; this could create an annoying nuisance if you need to locate the AirPods in the morning.
Noise-canceling features could impede your ability to respond to or be alerted in an emergency.
AirPods can fall out of your ears when sleeping, which could be an annoyance.
4. Possible Risk of Damage to the Eardrum
The possible risk of damage to the ear drum if AirPods are worn in the ears is physical damage and hearing loss. Wearing the AirPods while sleeping can be especially damaging, as rolling around can push the AirPods further inside the ear, potentially leading to necrosis of the skin cells and permanent damage.
The sustained and concentrated pressure on the ears can also lead to hearing mild loss.
5. Potential for AirPods to Cause Ear Wax Buildup
The potential for AirPods to cause ear wax buildup is real and should not be underestimated. It is not funny. Too much ear wax in the ear can impair hearing, cause a buildup of dirt and bacteria, and lead to allergic reactions and inflammation.
Prolonged use of AirPods, pushing them deeper into the ear than recommended, and sleeping with them in for more than a few hours can all increase the chances of ear wax buildup.
Is it safe to sleep with airpods in your ears
The short answer is that you can sleep with your AirPods in but not regularly. Sleeping with your Airpods Pro in every night has many risks. You could swallow or choke on them, ear infection, hearing loss, damage your AirPods Pro, or develop sleep deprivation. Long-term and regular usage at bedtime is not recommended.
Therefore, it is important to take precautions while using AirPods while sleeping. It is best to
- minimize the risk of hearing loss by monitoring volume and length of listen, and regularly cleaning your ears.
- it is highly recommended to keep your AirPods safe while sleeping on a bus or train by using a headband as an alternative.
Overall, it is up to you to decide whether it is OK to sleep with AirPods – every electronic gadget has pros and cons depending on the usage.
Is it bad to sleep with airpods pro
It is not recommended to sleep with AirPods Pro in regularly. While AirPods Pro offer some advantages over traditional AirPods for sleeping in, they should still not be used for extended periods of time and should never come in direct contact with the eardrums.
While it may be safe to do so on a one-off basis, long-term use of AirPods Pro while sleeping presents several risks. AirPods Pro may actually be less comfortable than regular earbuds for sleeping in. Over-ear headphones are not as bad as earbuds for sleeping in either, but they also come with their own risks.
If you need music to help you sleep, consider purchasing an Apple HomePod and playing your tunes through this device. It will reduce the risks associated with sleeping with AirPods Pro while still providing you with quality music.
How to wear AirPods to bed safely
Step 1: Keep the volume low.
Step 2: Sleep on your back or stomach. Sleeping on your side can lead to the AirPods pushing against your ear, which can be uncomfortable.
Step 3: Get a softer pillow. If you are a side sleeper, choose a softer pillow to avoid the AirPods from pushing against your ear. Just like when you get a lobe piercing or an earring.
Step 4: Wash your ears every morning. Cleaning and disinfecting your ears is the best way to keep them healthy, even when sleeping with AirPods on.
Step 5: Don’t use them when taking a nap. Naps are meant for resting and if you try to force yourself into sleeping with AirPods on, it could mess up your natural sleep processes.
Step 6: Twist your AirPods upwards before going to bed. To prevent your AirPods from slipping out while sleeping, twist them up by roughly 30 degrees to bring the base of the AirPods in a horizontal position.
Step 7: Ensure a snug fit. Make sure the AirPods fit securely in your ears to avoid them from falling out while you move around in your sleep. This will also help ensure the effectiveness of any noise cancelling or isolation on offer.
FAQ
Is it safe to sleep with AirPods in?
The use of AirPods while sleeping is not inherently bad or dangerous, but there are certain risks that should be considered. While sleeping with AirPods will likely not cause significant damage or issues, there are still potential risks you should be aware of. For example, AirPods may fall out while you are sleeping and could get stuck and damage or lost. Additionally, if the AirPods are on your side or stomach during sleep, the microphone or earbud can be pushed against your pillow and might get damaged.
On the flip side, AirPods can help you fall asleep faster and provide you with a higher quality of sleep. Some people also use AirPods to listen to language lessons, white noise, rain noises, or other calming sounds that can help them fall asleep more quickly.
It is also important to note that your brain might pick up more information while you are sleeping than when you are awake, so it is important to be mindful of what you are listening to.
What are the potential risks of sleeping with AirPods in?
Potential risks of sleeping with AirPods in include the possibility of
- ear infections,
- wax buildup,
- discomfort,
- loss of hearing,
- sleep disorders,
- losing or ingesting the earbuds
- damaging your AirPods,
- experiencing necrosis.
The risks become greater if you use your AirPods Pro for an extended period, at higher volumes, or are a restless sleeper.
Are there any long-term health consequences of sleeping with AirPods in?
The short and long-term risks of sleeping with AirPods in can be serious, ranging from hearing loss to sleep deprivation, the possibility of missing important sounds like the smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector going off, and the dangers associated with Bluetooth radiation, such as the possible increased risk of cancer.
What type of AirPods should I use for sleeping?
The most important factor is comfort, as you’ll be wearing them for long periods of time. That’s why I recommend Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) as
- they have a curved shape that creates a tight seal around your eardrum
- wireless connection
- come with four sizes of eartips to ensure a perfect fit
- a lot quieter when your phone is at its lowest volume setting, which makes it easier to sleep.
Is it better to sleep with AirPods or earplugs?
When it comes to sleeping aids, it can be a tough decision between AirPods and earplugs. On one hand, wired earplugs can be uncomfortable and get in the way when you sleep, whereas AirPods provide a convenient, wireless solution. However, even though more people seem to sleep better with AirPods due to their ability to block out environmental noise, AirPods still have their drawbacks and are not suitable for a long-term sleeping aid.
When considering whether to sleep with AirPods or earplugs, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each option.
- Earplugs are much less bulky than AirPods, making them a more practical choice for sleeping. They also provide better noise isolation and block out any external noise traffic.
- On the other hand, AirPods can provide noise cancellation features.
For those who don’t want to sleep with AirPods, music headbands and white noise machines can provide a good alternative.
There are also radio devices such as noise-cancelling headphones that can provide more sound isolation and comfort, but you won’t get the same level of performance as AirPods.
Are noise-canceling AirPods better for sleeping?
Many people feel that the noise-canceling capabilities of Apple AirPods Pro or AirPods Max are the best option for blocking out external noises and allowing them to relax and fall asleep faster.
In comparison with other test, the AirPods boast of a hard plastic external covering that protects against possible harm and are drop-proof and waterproof. They are lightweight and comfortable for long-term wear, making them perfect for sleeping. Noise isolation can be beneficial if you live in a busy part of town or a loud neighborhood.
Are there any precautions I should take when sleeping with AirPods?
Yes, there are a few precautions you should consider taking when sleeping with AirPods. These include: monitoring the volume and length of listening to avoid hearing loss; avoiding sleeping with AirPods if you are a restless sleeper; and regularly cleaning your ears. Additionally, if you’re using AirPods for an extended period, you should consider using a music headband or white noise machine instead.
Does sleeping with airpods damage your ears
Airpods do not damage your ears but it is important to consider the risks before deciding to sleep with your AirPods, as there are certain risks associated with doing so. The most common risk are
- Earwax build-up, as our bodies take part in an ear-cleaning cycle throughout our day and night and when AirPods are worn during sleep, this wax is trapped and cannot escape as it normally would.
- Physical damage to the ear, as sleeping positions can cause the AirPods to be pushed further inside the ear, causing discomfort or injury.
- Ear infection, as accumulated dirt and wax can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
- long-term use of AirPods can lead to hearing loss due to high volume levels.
Why do people sleep in airpods?
Why do people sleep in airpods? People sleep in airpods for a variety of reasons, such as noise-cancellation, comfort, relaxation and to boost their brain. Noise isolation is one of the major reasons for sleeping in airpods as it helps to block out external sounds such as sirens, people shouting, and banging doors. Airpods are lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods, making them suitable for sleeping. Some people use airpods to play calming music or white noise to help them relax and fall asleep faster. Finally, airpods can be used to listen to podcasts and audiobooks, which can enhance cognitive abilities.
How airpods can help you sleep better?
AirPods can help you get better sleep in several ways. AirPods come wireless and with noise isolation, which prevents outside noise from interrupting your music or listening. This can help to promote a more relaxing sleep for those who have difficulty falling asleep. Listening to music in the background can help relax your mind and clear your thoughts, resulting in a more comfortable night’s sleep.
For example, if you’re having trouble falling asleep, you could put on a calming podcast or playlist on your AirPods and the sound isolation will help you relax and drift off to sleep.
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