Sleep is precious. There’s an unpleasant feeling to getting up groggy because you got less than seven to eight hours sleep that even several cups of coffee can’t help. So you were aghast when your hearing loss started to cause you to lose sleep.
And that’s understandable. But there’s a little something that can help, fortunately: a hearing aid. It’s feasible that these small devices can help you get a sounder night sleep, according to the latest surveys.
How is Sleep Impacted by Loss of Hearing?
Even though you feel fatigued all day and are exhausted by bedtime, you still toss and turn and have a difficult time falling asleep. All of these problems began about the same time you also began to notice that your mobile phone, radio, and television were becoming difficult to hear.
Turns out, you’re not imagining it. There is a well-documented connection between loss of hearing and insomnia, even if the precise sources aren’t completely clear. Some theories have been put forward:
- You can be kept awake by tinnitus which can cause humming, ringing, or thumping noises in your ears. (It can become a vicious cycle because lack of sleep can make your tinnitus symptoms worse).
- Loss of hearing is linked to depression, and depression can result in chemical imbalances in the brain that disturb your sleep cycle. This makes it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Your brain, when you have loss of hearing, strains to get input where there isn’t any. If your brain is in overdrive trying to hear while you’re trying to sleep, your entire cycle could be thrown off (It’s the common problem of not being able to get your brain to shut off).
Can Hearing Aids Help Your Sleep?
According to one study, 59% of people who were hearing aid users noted feeling content with their sleep, in comparison to a 44% satisfaction rate in people who don’t wear hearing aids. So does that mean it’s safe to presume hearing aids are also a type of sleep aid?
well, not quite. If you don’t have loss of hearing, a hearing aid can’t cure insomnia.
But if you are suffering from loss of hearing, your hearing aids can target several concerns that could be worsening your insomnia:
- Tinnitus: Depending on the nature and cause of your tinnitus, hearing aids could provide a practical way of managing that ringing and buzzing. This can help stop that vicious cycle and help you get to sleep.
- Isolation: If you’re out and about, hooking up with the people in your social sphere, you’re less likely to feel isolated and depressed. Hearing aids make building relationships less difficult (this can also decrease “cabin fever”-associated sleep cycle problems).
- Strain: The damage on your brain will essentially decreased by using hearing aids. And your brain won’t be as likely to strain while falling asleep if it isn’t struggling all of the rest of the time.
Wearing Hearing Aids to Get a Better Quality Sleep
With regards to sleep, the amount of hours is not the only thing to consider. In order for your sleep to be actually refreshing, it’s important that you achieve a targeted degree to your z’s. Loss of hearing can work against that deep sleep, and hearing aids, therefore, can increase your ability to enjoy restful sleep.
It’s significant to note that while they’ll help benefit your sleep, the majority of hearing aids are not designated to be used overnight. When you’re sleeping they won’t help you hear better (you won’t be capable of hearing your alarm clock better, for instance). And, over time, wearing your hearing aids at night can diminish their effectiveness. You get better sleep if you use them during the day.
Go to Bed!
Sleep is valuable. Your immune system, your stress levels, and your ability to think clearly will all be benefited by ample sleep. Proper sleep habits have even been connected to lower risks for heart disease and diabetes.
When your hearing loss begins to affect your sleep schedule, the issue becomes more than aggravating, insomnia can often cause serious health problems. Fortunately, people document having better quality sleep when they use hearing aids.
