When we think about sleep, we usually think about how it helps us rest, feel less stressed, and heal. But did you know that sleep is also really important for healthy hearing? While sleep can’t fix every hearing problem, good sleep habits help keep our ears working well and support overall hearing health.
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The Link Between Sleep and Hearing
Not getting enough sleep can make it harder for our brain to understand sounds. Being tired from poor sleep makes it difficult to focus on conversations and understand what we hear – which is why getting a good night’s sleep is so important!
While we sleep, our bodies repair cells, including those in our ears. Damage to these cells can hurt our hearing, so giving our bodies the chance to recover is important for keeping our ears healthy.
Noise Exposure and Sleep Quality
Hearing loud noises at night can affect both our sleep quality and our hearing. Constant noise, like traffic or loud music, can stop the brain from getting into deep sleep, which makes it harder for the body to repair itself.
Creating an Environment for Better Sleep and Hearing
To protect your hearing and get better sleep:
- Reduce noise: Use earplugs to block out sounds.
- Control your environment: Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and comfortable.
- Relax before bed: Avoid screens before bedtime to help your brain relax.
Creating a peaceful sleep environment helps your body repair itself and keep your hearing healthy.
How Poor Sleep Affects Sound Processing
Sleep plays a key role in how our brain processes sounds. While we sleep, the brain decides which sounds are important—like a baby crying—and which sounds can be ignored, like traffic. REM sleep is especially important for understanding and remembering sounds.
Sleep problems—like insomnia or sleep apnea—can make it harder for our brain to process sounds, which can cause hearing issues. Poor sleep can also lead to more stress hormones, which can damage the tiny cells in our ears and cause tinnitus.
Tips for Safe Listening and Sleep Hygiene
Protecting your hearing means practising safe listening habits and good sleep hygiene:
- Learn more about noise protection to limit exposure to loud noise: Avoid loud places, use ear protection, and follow the 60/60 rule – listen at no more than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.
- Establish a healthy sleep routine: Go to bed at the same time every night, limit caffeine, and create a sleep-friendly environment to support both sleep and hearing health.
Conclusion
Sleep is really important for keeping our hearing healthy. Good sleep helps the brain process sounds better and keeps the tiny cells in our ears healthy. By making sleep a priority and following simple tips—like reducing noise, keeping a regular sleep schedule, and managing
Need Help with Your Hearing?
If you’re in Adelaide and have concerns about your hearing, the friendly team at Hearing Sense is here to help. Whether you have questions about hearing health, need a hearing test, or want advice on tinnitus and sleep, we’re just a call away.
