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I was at the gym, listening to Tim Ferriss’ Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice From the Best in the World, when someone interviewed mentioned that a pair of sleep headphones had transformed his once-wakeful nights. As a lifelong insomniac, I immediately put down my dumbbells, grabbed my phone, and within 60 seconds, I received my order confirmation.
A week later, my AcousticSheep SleepPhones arrived. The headphones for sleeping comprise a simple headband with a pocket in the back that holds two flat Bluetooth earbuds wired to a small controller. (If you live in a hot environment, the “Breeze” fabric might be helpful.)
They may not appear to be anything special. But if you’ve ever been awake at 3:06 am with a racing mind and the desire for quiet, these are game-changers.
$99 at SleepPhones
Unlike earbuds that pop out or cause discomfort, these headphones for sleeping are soft and comfortable, even for side-sleepers. You can also slip the headphones off without having to conduct an exhaustive search for your earbuds in the morning. And the width of the band is just right, making it easy to move around as needed.
The Bluetooth technology works every time I’ve paired it with my phone without a single connectivity issue. It lasts forever on a charge—well, weeks—although not knowing exactly when it might die, I charge it every couple of weeks. Removing the controller for a charge is a little awkward given the single-pocket design, and the next time I wear them I usually have to readjust the earbuds since the sound can be faint if not positioned over my ears. I opted for the grey fleece fabric although if you live in a hot environment or rely on these while working out, the Breeze fabric might be a smarter option.
When I’m lying there awake, I usually listen to yoga nidra. Also known as “yogic sleep,” it’s a guided meditation that leads you into a state of deep, conscious relaxation. It usually helps me fall back asleep or at least be okay with my wakeful state. I sometimes listen to audio books, which I find to be a soothing and welcome refocus for my chattering mind.
The Acoustic Sheep sleep headphones also come in handy when I’m practicing along with online yoga classes at home as my other earbuds and over-the-ear headphones pop out when I go into Downward Dog. Just don’t attend a Zoom meeting with your sleep headphones in place. I have yet to find a flattering hairstyle for that.
