Benefits Of Using Sleep Headphones When Flying

Last Updated: JAN 19, 2024

We’ve all been there before - a long flight ahead with no escape from the cramped space and endless noise around us. For sleep-deprived travelers, catching some much-needed rest becomes an even bigger challenge. But fear not, fellow travelers. There is a solution that can help you catch some much-needed rest: sleep headphones. Lets explore the benefits of using sleep headphones while flying and address the question on whether Bluetooth sleep headphones can be connected to in-flight systems.

In summary the key benefits of using sleep headphones when flying:

  1. Block out noise & light
  2. Listen to calming & relaxing sounds
  3. Soft materials which are comfortable for long haul
  4. Wireless Bluetooth connection - no cables
  5. Connect to in-flight entertainment 

guy asleep on a flight

 

1) Block out Noise and Light From The Cabin

Noises and lights can easily disturb you while you’re trying to sleep on a flight. Using sleep headphones can help you block out these annoyances, allowing you to fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer.

Sleep masks serve as an effective tool for blocking out light, thereby aiding in the creation of a dark and conducive environment for sleep. They are usually made from materials like silk, satin, or foam and are designed to fit snugly over your eyes and nose, sealing out light from all angles. This is particularly useful in settings where you have little control over ambient light, like a flight.

Some sleep masks are advertised as being "100% light blocking," which means they often have additional features to achieve this. Typically, they may have foam inserts that mould to the contours of your face or extra flaps near the nose to eliminate any gaps where light could penetrate. Others use layers of high-density fabric that absorb or reflect light. The design focuses on ensuring that no light sneaks in, even around the edges of the mask. 

So if you want to get a long sleep while on your flight and don't want to be interrupted when the lights come on - a sleep mask could play a crucial role for your trip. 

 

2) Listen To Soothing Sounds And Forget Where You Are

A Sleep mask with built-in headphones can also play soundscapes, white noise, or songs that soothe you to sleep. Listening to calming sounds can help your body and mind relax, making it easier for you to fall asleep even in a noisy cabin or an unfamiliar environment.

Prepare Your Playlist Before You Fly

Before boarding your flight, make sure to download a selection of calming audio tracks to your device. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

  1. Choose Your Platform: Decide which music streaming platform you'll be using. Most platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music or YouTube offer an offline mode although you might need to be subscribed to have this feature.

  2. Curate Your Playlist: Spend some time selecting a variety of calming sounds, nature ambiances, or your favourite soothing tracks.

  3. Download: Use your chosen app's "Download" or "Offline Mode" feature to save the playlist to your device. Ensure you're connected to Wi-Fi, as downloading over an onboard wifi network may incur quite high charges or may even be quite slow to download.

  4. Check Playback: Open your playlist and make sure all tracks are accessible without an internet connection. It's best to do this while still connected to Wi-Fi, so you can troubleshoot any issues.

  5. Sync With Sleep Mask: Make sure you pair your Bluetooth headphones with your phone before your flight so you can keep your phone in inflight mode.

By preparing in advance, you'll have a selection of calming audio tracks at the ready, making it easier to drift into a restful sleep during your flight.

 music to play on sleep headphones

3) Comfortable and Lightweight

Sleep headphones are engineered with your comfort in mind, making them the ideal companion for long-haul flights where discomfort can significantly impact your travel experience. Traditional headphones often come with bulkier designs and materials that may press against your ears or head when worn for extended periods, causing soreness or irritation.

On the other hand, sleep headphones typically feature soft, breathable fabrics and ultra-thin speakers, which are lightweight enough that you'll barely notice you're wearing them even after hours in the air.

Furthermore, sleep headphones are often adjustable, accommodating different head sizes to ensure a snug yet comfortable fit. This level of personalisation not only enhances comfort but also helps in creating a more effective sound seal, aiding in noise isolation.

The absence of hard, scratchy materials adds another layer of comfort, ensuring that you don't end up with itchy skin or general discomfort during or after your flight. This way, you can enjoy your favourite music, podcasts, or sleep sounds without the distraction of physical discomfort, making your long-haul journey far more bearable and perhaps even enjoyable.

women asleep on chair with sleep headphones

 

4) Wireless Connection

The wireless connection feature of modern sleep headphones offers unparalleled convenience and freedom, especially during long-haul flights. Traditional wired headphones can be cumbersome, with cables tangling or getting caught on armrests, tray tables, or even your fellow passengers. This creates a cluttered and stressful environment, the last thing you want when you're already confined to a small space for an extended period.

In contrast, sleep headphones with Bluetooth connectivity eliminate the need for cables altogether. They pair seamlessly with a wide range of devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, allowing you to enjoy your media without the hassle of untangling wires or worrying about compatibility issues. The lack of cables also makes it easier to move freely, whether you're adjusting your seat, grabbing something from the overhead bin, or simply turning your head. This means you can find a comfortable sleeping position without the constraint of wires pulling on your device or headphones.

Additionally, sleep headphones often come with a robust rechargeable battery that can last up to 15 hours on a single charge. This is particularly beneficial on long-haul flights as you won't have to worry about your headphones dying midway through the journey, leaving you without your preferred form of entertainment or sleep aid. Many models also offer quick charging capabilities, so even if you do need to recharge, a brief layover or a portable charging device could easily have you back up and running in no time.

 

5) Connecting to Inflight Systems

The ability to connect sleep headphones to in-flight entertainment systems is a game-changing feature that enhances your flying experience, ensuring that you're not stuck with the standard issue airplane headphones, which can often be of lower quality both in terms of sound and comfort. So, can sleep headphones be connected via Bluetooth to in-flight entertainment systems? The answer varies depending on the airline you're flying with.

Some modern airlines have evolved their in-flight entertainment systems to include Bluetooth connectivity, allowing passengers to effortlessly connect their personal sleep headphones. This gives you the luxury of enjoying movies, music, or podcasts through headphones you're already comfortable with, ensuring a high-quality sound experience tailored to your liking. This feature aligns well with the airline's endeavor to offer a personalized flying experience and gives you the freedom to use your headphones as you please.

However, not all airlines have adopted this technology. For those that haven't, a simple solution exists: a Bluetooth adapter. This handy device acts as an intermediary between the in-flight entertainment system and your sleep headphones. Just plug the adapter into the airplane's headphone jack and connect your sleep headphones to the adapter via Bluetooth. It's a simple and effective way to bridge the technological gap and use your own high-quality headphones during your flight.

Either way, the flexibility to connect your sleep headphones to in-flight systems ensures that you don't have to compromise on sound quality or comfort, no matter the airline. This creates a more enjoyable and immersive entertainment experience, making those long hours in the air pass more quickly and pleasantly.

Overall, using sleep headphones when flying provides many benefits, including blocking out light and noise, hearing soothing sounds, comfort, lightweight design, and, of course, the ability to connect to Bluetooth. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or simply someone who finds it hard to sleep on flights, sleep headphones might be the perfect solution.

Buy the SleepSoftly Deluxe Sleep Headphones For Your Next Flight.

Deluxe Headphones