Best Earplugs for Sleep: Creating a Restful Environment on a Budget

The quality of sleep you receive each night is critical to your overall health. Not only can a night fraught with interruptions make you feel sluggish and unbalanced both mentally and physically, those hours lost will continue to add to your overall sleep debt. In time this can chip away at your memory, blood pressure, heart, sugar levels, metabolism, and interfere with energy levels.

Nighttime interruptions can be caused by many outside disruptions and influences, some of which you can control – but others, such as noise, may not be so easy to take control of. If you struggle with any of the following, you may want to consider using earplugs:

• City traffic
• Neighborhood noises
• Barking dogs
• Loud music
• A snoring partner
• Any other expected, or unexpected, nocturnal noises

Luckily earplugs are some of the simplest and also the most budget-friendly options. Some of the best earplugs to block out noise are reviewed below to provide you with effective choices.

You may want to check out: Know About Noise Cancelling Ear Plugs

Best Earplugs for Sleeping 

How Earplugs Work

Earplugs, often made from foam, silicone, or wax base are designed to fit snugly into your ear canal to help block outside noise. They can be disposable for one-time use, or be designed for consistency night after night, either way, they provide a way for you to take control of your nocturnal interruptions.

Plug material is flexible and can easily compress to work with a wide variety of ear canal sizes and shapes. They are lightweight and are made for comfort so you can rest easy. They are used for much more than sleep and can work to block consistent, high decimal sounds, as well as disruptive nighttime noises such as traffic, barking dogs, or the snoring of a sleep partner.

Benefits of Using Earplugs for Sleep

Obviously, earplugs are designed to block noise. As mentioned, they are commonly used to block loud, damaging noises as well as those that are disruptive and create a lack of focus, or wake you from sleep. Getting enough sleep is important, with adults typically needing between 7 and 9 hours each night.

When you sleep you cycle regularly through various depths of stages to allow your body to heal and recover. This is both a mental and physical process and is crucial to your overall health. When you interrupt these stages your body has to continue through the cycles to return to the stage you were woken from. Using earplugs can help keep these interruptions from happening.

Side Effects

Earplugs are completely safe to use, but there are some side effects that can occur- although they are avoidable. If you use them regularly you may be pushing ear wax back into your ear canal which can cause a buildup. If not cleaned out this can cause infection since it holds bacteria.

You may find that you are sensitive to the material used. This could cause skin sensitivities or discomfort. Sometimes this is related to the size of the plug as well, so it makes take some time to find what works best for you.

Comfort Tips

If you are looking for earplugs to provide the best noise reduction possible, consider the following tips for fit and comfort.

• Keep your ear canal clean
• Clean your hands before handling earplugs
• Roll earplugs (if foam or wax) to fit into the ear canal
• Pull earlobe away from the head
• Insert into the ear canal, but avoid pushing in too far to keep from putting pressure on the eardrum
• If you are using foam, be sure to keep your hand over your ear until they expand
• Disposable earplugs should be disposed of every few days, or washed thoroughly before being used again

Types of Earplugs For Sleep

The best earplugs for sleep may differ from person to person, so its best to understand what differences there are to pick the best for you. As mentioned earplugs are commonly wax, silicon, or foam and work to plug the ear canal to block unwanted sound.

Wax

Wax earplugs are easy to mold for a custom fit, are reusable, and also are waterproof. This makes them a good choice for swimming as well as sleeping, and are a popular choice for children since they are gentle and are fitted from the heat of your own body.

Silicon

Silicon, while soft, can more rigid than other choices and may not be comfortable for sleepers depending on their size and style. They are reusable and easy to clean, but may not be as effective as those materials that mold to your ear canal shape and size.

Moldable silicone does exist, however, and can be much more effective. Be sure to know which kind of silicone you are considering prior to purchase.

Foam

Foam is inexpensive, generally very comfortable, and effective in blocking sound, However, they are porous and can harbor bacteria. Be sure to replace them regularly.

The following earplugs are some of the best-rated earplugs by consumers for their effectiveness and comfort. Although there are many others available, these provide you a highlight of the choices you have for a more restful night.

Conclusion

If your sleep is regularly interrupted by background or unexpected noises, you may want to consider the use of earplugs. Not getting the sleep you deserve is detrimental to your health over time, and sound is definitely something you can control. Everything from wax to silicone, to foam plug choices, provides you the options you need to block sound effectively.

We’d love to hear what preferences work best for you and why you chose them below!