I was at the gym, listening to Tim Ferriss’ Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice From the Best in the World, when an interviewee mentioned that a pair of sleep headphones had transformed their once-wakeful nights. A lifelong insomniac, I immediately set down my dumbbells, grabbed my phone, and placed an order.
A week later, my AcousticSheep SleepPhones arrived.
(TL;DR: this may be the most hardworking headband you’ll ever own.)
How AcousticSheep’s Sleep Headphones Work
These headphones for sleeping are comprised of a simple headband with a pocket in the back that holds two flat Bluetooth earbuds wired to a small controller. They may not appear to be anything special. But if you’ve ever been awake at 3:06 a.m. with a racing mind and the desire for quiet, this simple accessory is a major game-changer.
Unlike Earbuds, I Didn’t Have to Worry About Them Falling Out of My Ears
Unlike earbuds that pop out or cause discomfort, these headphones are soft and comfortable—yes, even for side-sleepers.
You can also simply slip the headphones off, in the morning, eliminating the morning stress of an exhaustive earbud search.
They’re Really Comfortable
The width of the band is just right, making the fit feel easy and secure regardless of hairstyle or texture. 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.
The Charge Lasts
But style and comfort points aside, let’s talk reliability. I’ve never had a connectivity issue with this headband. The Bluetooth works every time I pair the headphones. Plus, the charger seems to last forever (well, weeks), though I do charge it every couple of weeks, just in case.
They may not appear to be anything special. But if you’ve ever been awake at 3:06 a.m. with a racing mind and the desire for quiet, this simple accessory is a major game-changer.
A Few Minor Gripes
Given the single-pocket design, removing the controller for a charge is a little awkward.
The headband usually has to be readjusted ahead of the next wear, as the sound can be faint if the headphones are not perfectly positioned over the ears.
How I Use My AcousticSheep Sleep Headphones
Everyone has a different lullaby. While I’m lying awake in my bed, I usually listen to yoga nidra , also called “yogic sleep,” a guided meditation that leads you into a state of deep relaxation. On the night’s that even this won’t help me sleep, it at least helps me accept my wakeful state.
The AcousticSheep sleep headphones may be designed for bedtime, but they also come in handy when I’m practicing along with online fitness classes at home, as my other earbuds and over-the-ear headphones pop out when I go into any sort of inversion.
You can even rely on your SleepPhones while awake, the accessory providing a soundtrack for hiking, skiing, or for your next Zoom meeting.
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