Many of us use music, podcasts, or sound effects to relax and even fall asleep. White noise, ambient music, and a favorite podcast can often make us feel so tired that we would rather be asleep than listen to more. It's a really tempting option for those people who need a quiet sanctuary in a noisy world; however, is it healthy to sleep with headphones, or are we compromising health for the sake of healthy sleep?

While headphones and earbuds can create a more peaceful sleep environment, they also pose several potential risks if not used right. This feature will discuss the pros and cons of sleeping with headphones, guide you through safety considerations, practical tips, and how to ensure that you're making choices that support your ear health.

Why People Choose to Sleep with Earphones

For those who live in noisy environments or struggle to fall asleep, headphones can be a sanctuary of sound. There are a few compelling reasons why people opt to wear headphones to bed:

• Blocking Out Noise: One of the most common reasons people turn to headphones is to block out external noise, whether it's traffic, snoring partners, or household sounds that can disrupt sleep.
• Relaxation: Sounds such as rain, ocean waves, or soft instrumental music help to keep the mind calm and open with feelings of security.
• Stress Relief: Listening to music or guided meditations has been widely practiced to lower anxiety, slow heartbeat, and create a peaceful environment that facilitates falling asleep.
• Getting in the Right Headspace: Music or sounds tailored to promote sleep can help the brain transition from the stress of the day to a more restful state.

These factors can be particularly beneficial for people living in urban areas, frequent travelers, or those with sleeping partners who snore. However, while sleeping with headphones can have its advantages, it's important to weigh these benefits against the potential risks.

Can You Sleep with Earbuds In?

The short answer is yes, you can sleep with earbuds in, and for some people, it may even improve their sleep quality. Comfortable, sleep-specific earbuds are designed to create a cozy, personalized sleep environment by playing calming sounds or masking disruptive noises. They help engage the brain in soothing, rhythmic sounds that encourage restfulness, especially in noisy conditions.

Using earbuds or sleep headphones is known to have various benefits in improving sleep. They can block out any other noise that might wake you up, thus promoting longer periods of sleep as you are able to sleep and not wake up so quickly. They can help in a deeper sleep cycle due to the elimination of distraction and a constant sound around you.

But Is It Safe to Sleep with Earbuds?

While sleeping with earbuds in may seem convenient in the name of having improved sleep, it does present risks. Here are the key concerns:

Risk of Ear Infections

Wearing earbuds at nighttime is also a risky matter because of the higher danger of ear infections. A pair of earbuds sits right in the ear canal, and if moist conditions are not kept clean regularly, bacteria may be present for infection. Over long periods of use, such as through the night, this may be worsened by minimal airflow and the warmer, more moist conditions that tend to foster the growth of bacteria. Careful selection of earbuds composed of breathable antimicrobial materials and good maintenance practices should minimize infection.

Discomfort and Ear Pain

Another safety consideration is discomfort. Sleeping with earbuds in, especially those not specifically designed for sleep, can lead to pressure points in the ear canal, causing soreness or pain. This discomfort is usually worse when a person moves during sleep because the earbuds can shift. For this reason, earbuds that are specifically designed for sleep are recommended, as they are generally smaller, softer, and more flexible and provide a better fit without putting pressure on the ears.

Risk of Hearing Damage

Listening to music at high volumes, especially for extended periods, can cause long-term damage to your hearing. According to a study conducted by Swedish researchers, a subgroup of adolescents listened to music at volumes ranging from 90 to 100 dB, a level that could potentially lead to noise-induced hearing loss. In order to avoid damaging your hearing while using earbuds at night, it is essential to keep the volume at a safe level (below half the maximum volume) and limit the time spent listening.

Cord Safety

For those using wired earbuds, there also may be a strangulation danger from the cords in an untidy bedroom setup with restless sleepers. Use wireless earbuds or a pair of sleep headphones which have short or no cord to avoid this entirely.

Does Sleeping with Earbuds Damage Your Ears?

The other major risk that may be attributed to sleeping with earbuds on is ear damage. Though safe in many cases, long exposure to high volumes of loud music and sounds may cause damage. To prevent hearing loss, the volume should be set low, and earbuds should not be left on for a long period of time. The delicate hairs in your inner ear will be damaged, thus endangering your ability to hear if the volume is too high or you use it too frequently.

Do Headphones Cancel Out Snoring?

Yes, sleep headphones with noise cancel will give some form of shielding against snoring. That is, they'll mask some of the unwanted external sounds, like snoring, by white noises and smooth music, creating a silent environment and making one feel comfortable sleep.

How to Use Earphones Safely

If you want to use earbuds or headphones to help you sleep, here are some safety tips to follow:

• Use External Speakers: In case you can, use an external speaker instead of headphones or earbuds. This will minimize the risk to your ears and allow you to enjoy soothing sounds without having to touch your ears directly.
• Avoid Noise-Canceling Headphones: Noise-canceling headphones may be helpful to block noise, but they are not the best option for sleeping. In an emergency situation, you may need to hear things such as fire alarms, a ringing phone, or someone calling your name.
• Don't Use Cords: Wired headphones may be hazardous as they could get tangled around your neck or elsewhere in your body. Opt for wireless or cord-free headphones made for sleep.
• Keep the Volume Low: Whether you use a speaker or headphones, always maintain the volume at a medium level. The volume must be kept under 50% of the maximum level.

Is It Bad to Sleep with Earphones?

The final verdict is that it's not that bad to sleep with headphones or earbuds. It is an effective way to enhance sleep quality if you enjoy listening to calming sounds at night and choose the right type of headphones or earbuds. However, you need to take precautions for your ears. Choose sleep-specific headphones or earbuds that are designed for comfort and safety, keep the volume low, and avoid using them for long periods.

Headphone listening habits and hearing thresholds in swedish adolescents. Noise Health. 2017

Hundreds of thousands of children are set to receive an additional vaccine under the NHS routine childhood immunisation programme. Health officials have confirmed it will be given alongside the existing MMR jab, which protects children in England against measles, mumps and rubella.

Chicken pox Vaccine Starts By NHS

The decision follows advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and will see the current MMR jab replaced with a combined MMRV vaccine. This single injection protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. Studies estimate that chickenpox in childhood leads to around £24 million a year in lost earnings and productivity across the UK. Alongside reducing this impact, the rollout is expected to save the NHS about £15 million each year in treatment costs linked to the illness.

Dr Claire Fuller, National Medical Director for NHS England, said: “This marks a very positive step for children and families, offering protection against chickenpox for the first time and strengthening the range of routine vaccinations we already give to help shield children from serious diseases.

“From now on, the combined vaccine covering measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox will be offered at children’s routine vaccination appointments. This will help keep children healthier, prevent illness caused by these highly infectious viruses, and support the NHS shift from treating sickness to preventing it, while keeping more children safe and in school.”

Recent figures show that around half of children will have chickenpox by the age of four, with nine in ten catching it before they turn ten. Children who develop chickenpox are usually advised to stay away from school until all spots have crusted over, which typically happens about five days after the rash appears.

With the new vaccine in place, fewer children are expected to miss time at nursery or school. This should also reduce the amount of work parents need to take off to look after them.

Who Can Get The Chickenpox Vaccine On The NHS?

Protection against chickenpox is being offered through a new combined vaccine known as MMRV, which replaces the existing MMR jab. The MMRV vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella, the virus that causes chickenpox.

• Children born after 1 January 2026 will automatically be offered two doses of the MMRV vaccine, given at 12 months and again at 18 months.
• A catch-up programme will also provide one or two doses for older children, depending on when they were born:
• children born on or after 1 January 2025 will be offered two doses, one at 12 months and one at 18 months
• children born between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2024 will be offered two doses, one at 18 months and another at 3 years and 4 months
• children born between 1 September 2022 and 30 June 2024 will be offered one dose at 3 years and 4 months
• children born between 1 January 2020 and 31 August 2022 will be offered a single dose later in 2026
• GP practices will contact families directly to arrange vaccination appointments when they are due.

How Does The New Chickenpox Vaccination Work?

Specialists say adding the varicella vaccine to the NHS childhood immunisation schedule will significantly cut the number of people who get chickenpox, resulting in far fewer severe cases.

While the vaccine does not guarantee lifelong immunity, it greatly lowers the chances of catching chickenpox or developing a serious form of the illness. Serious side effects, including severe allergic reactions, are extremely uncommon.

The vaccine is a live vaccine, meaning it contains a weakened form of the chickenpox virus. Because of this, it is not recommended for people with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as HIV or treatments like chemotherapy.

The change brings the UK in line with countries that already include routine chickenpox vaccination, such as Germany, Canada, Australia and the United States.

In the past, there were concerns that vaccinating children against chickenpox could lead to an increase in shingles later in life, but a large long-term study from the US has since shown this is not the case.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which advises the government, recommended the introduction of the MMRV vaccine for all children in November 2023.

The government confirmed plans to roll out the MMRV vaccine in August 2025, after new figures showed that none of England’s main childhood vaccinations reached the 95 percent uptake target in 2024 to 2025.

According to the UK Health Security Agency, 91.9 percent of five-year-olds had received one dose of the MMR vaccine. This figure was unchanged from 2023 to 2024 and remains the lowest level recorded since 2010 to 2011.

Running to the bathroom with vomiting, diarrhea, or both is never fun. Yet “stomach bugs” are a common part of life, and norovirus is often behind these outbreaks.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that triggers symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, and cases are climbing this winter. While it often makes headlines during cruise ship outbreaks, most infections occur on land, anyone can catch it.

“Originally called ‘winter vomiting disease,’ norovirus is one of the leading causes of vomiting and diarrhea in both children and adults,” explains Dr. Ava Anklesaria, a gastroenterologist at Columbia who treats multiple cases each year. “The virus is very stable in the environment, and only a tiny amount is needed to infect someone, which makes it easy to spread. Simple measures like washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and avoiding contact with sick individuals can prevent infection.”

In the U.S., the CDC estimates that norovirus causes about 21 million illnesses, 465,000 emergency visits—mostly among children—and around 900 deaths annually.

What Is Norovirus And Its Common Symptoms?

Norovirus causes viral gastroenteritis, sometimes called “stomach flu” or a “stomach bug,” though it isn’t related to influenza. As per Mayo Clinic, it consists of several strains of RNA viruses that inflame the stomach and intestines, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Symptoms usually appear one to two days after exposure and often include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting (non-bloody)
• Watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Dehydration (rare but possible)
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches

Most people recover within one to three days, though they can still spread the virus for up to two weeks after feeling better.

Who Gets Norovirus?

Anyone can get infected. Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in the U.S., affecting all ages. Young children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with existing health conditions are more vulnerable.

How Does Norovirus Spread?

Norovirus spreads very easily. It survives well in the environment, and only a minuscule amount is enough to infect someone. In fact, just a few particles on the head of a pin can infect over 1,000 people.

Exposure can happen through:

• Eating contaminated water or food, especially leafy greens, fresh fruit, and shellfish like oysters
• Contact with vomit or fecal particles from someone who is infected, either by touching them directly or by touching contaminated surfaces, utensils, or toys

How Does Norovirus Affect Your Gut and Digestive System?

As per the National Institute Of Health, once inside the body, norovirus targets the stomach and intestines. It inflames the lining of the gut, which disrupts normal digestion and absorption. This inflammation leads to increased fluid secretion and faster movement through the intestines, causing watery diarrhea. Vomiting occurs as the stomach reacts to the irritation.

The gut lining may also temporarily lose some of its ability to absorb nutrients and fluids, which can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and fatigue. While symptoms usually resolve in a few days, the virus can continue to be shed in stool for up to two weeks, meaning the gut can remain a source of infection even after recovery.

Atenolol is widely prescribed for conditions such as high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms. While it is suitable for many adults, some people need to be especially careful before starting the beta-blocker.

NHS guidance highlights that certain medical conditions and life stages mean a doctor should be consulted first. This includes people with low blood pressure, Raynaud’s phenomenon, or asthma, among others.

Who Should Be Careful Before Taking Atenolol?

The NHS advises speaking to a doctor before taking atenolol if you fall into any of the following groups:

• People who are trying to conceive, are already pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• People with Raynaud’s phenomenon, which can cause fingers or toes to tingle, become unusually pale, or turn blue
• People with metabolic acidosis, a condition where there is too much acid in the blood
• People with low blood pressure (hypotension) or a slower than normal heart rate
• People with lung disease or asthma
• People who have previously had an allergic reaction to atenolol or any other medicine

How Atenolol Works?

According to official NHS advice, atenolol works by slowing the heart rate, which helps the heart pump blood around the body more easily. In addition to treating blood pressure and heart rhythm problems, it is sometimes prescribed to help prevent migraines and ease symptoms of anxiety.

The NHS notes: “Atenolol is only available on prescription. It comes as tablets or a liquid that you swallow. It can also be given by injection, but this is usually only done in hospital.”

Atenol: Medicines That May Interact With Atenolol

People who take other medicines should also check with a doctor before starting atenolol, as some drugs can affect how well it works or increase the risk of side effects. This applies not only to prescription medicines but also to herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements.

You should speak to a doctor if you take:

• Other medicines for high blood pressure, as using them with atenolol can sometimes lower blood pressure too much and cause dizziness or fainting
• Medicines for irregular heartbeats, such as amiodarone or flecainide
• Medicines for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Medicines for diabetes, especially insulin. Atenolol can make it harder to notice the usual warning signs of low blood sugar. If you experience low blood sugar without symptoms, speak to your doctor and monitor your levels carefully, particularly after exercise or before driving
• Medicines for nasal or sinus congestion, or other cold remedies, including those bought over the counter
• Medicines for allergies, such as ephedrine, noradrenaline, or adrenaline

The NHS also states: “There’s not enough information to say that herbal remedies and supplements are safe to take with atenolol. They’re not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines, and they’re generally not tested for how they affect other medicines.”

Atenolol Dosage And How Long Can It Be Taken?

The dose of atenolol you need depends on the condition being treated. For high blood pressure, the usual adult dose is between 25mg and 50mg once a day, but you should always follow your doctor’s instructions. Your medication packaging will also provide guidance on how to take it.

How long you stay on atenolol varies as well. For long-term conditions such as high blood pressure, it is often taken for many years and, in some cases, for life.