The 7 Best Sleep Headphones in 2023 – CNET

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There aren’t many things worse in life than being tired but unable to fall asleep. People across the globe have special rituals to help soothe themselves to sleep, but one size doesn’t always fit all. Whereas some people may need music or a white noise machine, others need complete darkness and complete silence. That’s where finding the best sleep headphones can come into play.

If you’re trying to get better sleep, listening to music or relaxing sounds before bed can help. We talked to Dr. Michael Breus, sleep medicine expert and the founder of The Sleep Doctor website, who said, “relaxing music triggers changes to the body that in many ways mimic a sleep state. A slower heart rate, slower breathing, lower blood pressure are all physiological changes that make possible the process of falling asleep and staying asleep.” 

Breus continued: “Music also has a soothing effect on our emotional brain, easing stress and anxiety. I would argue, If you’re listening to music that relaxes you before bed, you’re essentially helping to “tune” your body to sleep mode, both physically and psychologically.

If you need help getting the recommended eight hours of shut-eye each night, it might be time to invest in some sleep headphones that promote relaxation and fight the effects of background noise. To help you find the best headphones for sleeping, we’ve highlighted several different types, including a few headband headphone options, Bluetooth headphones, and earbuds that nestle into your ear canal to block out ambient noise. Keep reading for sounder sleep.

Best headphones for sleeping

If you don’t like the idea of wearing a headband to bed, the Bedphones Sleep Headphones are another made-for-sleep option that comes sans fabric. This sleeping headphone option features two ultrathin headphone speakers connected by a rubber-coated memory wire that’s fully adjustable so you can find your perfect earphone fit.

They come in two versions — wired and wireless headphone options — and each one comes equipped with an in-line microphone and three-button remote that allows you to answer phone calls or play, pause or skip whatever you’re listening to. And a single charge lasts an impressive 13 hours. These are great earbuds for sleeping more comfortably. 

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The Dormi Wireless Headband is perfect for side sleepers who want a more comfortable solution when sleeping with headphones.&nbsp;

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The Dormi Wireless Headband&nbsp;is perfect for side sleepers who want a more comfortable solution when sleeping with headphones.&nbsp;

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The Dormi Wireless Headband is perfect for side sleepers who want a more comfortable solution when sleeping with headphones.&nbsp;

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The Dormi Wireless Headband is perfect for side sleepers who want a more comfortable solution when sleeping with headphones.&nbsp;

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Most sleep headphones aren’t designed for side sleeping, but the Dormi Wireless Sleep Headphones function as a moisture-wicking, lightweight headband side sleepers can wear to bed so they can rest comfortably without an earbud pressing into their head. 

There are two thin speakers within the headband that line up with your ears and deliver surprisingly clear sound quality. The headband pairs with any Bluetooth device, boasts a 10-hour battery life, and even has a built-in mic so you can talk on the phone. It’s also machine washable, just make sure you take out all the electronics inside before you wash it.  

They’re available in two different sizes and multiple colorways. The only downside is for hot sleepers. The material feels like breathable athletic wear and should be fine for most people, but l think folks who are prone to sleeping warm might heat up wearing a band around their head all night. 

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Best for Travel|Super-lightweight design and squishy silicone ear tips make these minimalistic earbuds an excellent option for travel.

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Best for Travel|Super-lightweight design and squishy silicone ear tips make these minimalistic earbuds an excellent option for travel.

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Best for Travel|Super-lightweight design and squishy silicone ear tips make these minimalistic earbuds an excellent option for travel.

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The ultra-lightweight design and squishy silicone ear tips make these minimalistic earbuds for sleeping an excellent option for travel. The ear tips have an ergonomic double layer design that fits snugly in most ear canals to effectively drown out the noise around you, while the mini speaker in each earbud provides quality, balanced sound without too much bass.

Because they don’t have a flat design, they’re not ideal for side sleeping, but if you’re a back sleeper or you need something to drown out ambient noise on a plane or train, these headphones do the trick. And because they’re so cheap, it won’t be a total disaster if they get lost somewhere along the way.

How we tested the best headphones for sleep

CNET editors pick the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. 

1. Noise cancellation: A snoring simulation was played at high volume near our bedside to test the headphones’ ability to block out environmental noises. 
2. Comfort: Sleeping with too much pressure against the head can cause headaches. Headphones were tested in each sleeping position — side, back and stomach — to determine ear tip comfort, stableness of earbuds in the ear and how accommodating they felt from the perspective of different types of sleepers. 
3. Sound quality: We tested headphones for clarity of sound. Crystal clear sound quality isn’t required for sleep headphones, but it should be up to par in order to minimize sudden changes in sound that can cause sleep disruption.   
4. Price: We included a variety of headphones for sleep that fall in different price categories, from wallet-friendly to cream of the crop, so most sleepers can find a good pair regardless of their budget. 
5. Special features: We considered added features or perks that made headphones even more functional, such as a free audio library, Google assistant and machine-washability. 

What to look for in the best headphones for sleep

Sure, any decent set of headphones can play music or meditations, but it’s the design that sets sleep headphones apart. Regular headphones can be bulky and uncomfortable to lie on, but sleep headphones are made with a minimal, barely there feel that lets you drift off to sleep while wearing them comfortably throughout the night. For the best sleep headphones, keep an eye out for these features:

• Noise cancellation.
• A battery life of eight hours or longer.
• Ergonomic, comfortable ear tips. 
• Flat, thin designs such as headband headphones.

How sound affects sleep 

Sound has a significant influence on sleep quality, both negative and positive. Dr. Breus said, “there’s data that suggests soothing, relaxing music can bring about these effects on you physically:

• Slower breathing.
• A lower heart rate.
• Lower blood pressure.
• A quieted nervous system.
• Reduced muscle tension.
• Lowered stress and anxiety.
• The release of sleep-friendly hormones, including serotonin and oxytocin, and a reduction in hormones like cortisol. 

Breus went on to explain that “just like soothing sounds can mimic a sleep state, certain sounds signal an alarm for your brain ( sirens, loud neighbors, weather etc) so when you hear them, it can cause some level of anxiety. Anxiety is really the opposite of sleep.” 

As a result, sleep headphones act as a good solution for people to listen to relaxing sounds while drowning out the noisy, distracting sounds that evoke anxiety and disrupt sleep. 

Headphones for sleeping FAQs