Poor sleep can make you tired, irritable and affect your ability to process audiological information.
Two possible reasons for sleep deprivation’s effect on auditory function are high blood pressure and impairment of the lateral temporal lobe. Let’s look at each a little more closely.
High Blood Pressure’s Effect on Hearing
Sleep helps your body control and prevent dramatic hormone changes. When you lose sleep, your hormones may swing, leading to high blood pressure.
A study on the effects of high blood pressure on hearing loss tested 300 non-hypertensive patients with 300 hypertensive patients. Their results show that hypertension could be positively correlated to hearing loss.
High blood pressure may impact your hearing because it can lead to degeneration of the hearing apparatus and make hearing certain pitches and decibels more challenging.
Taking steps to control your blood pressure by getting enough sleep may help prevent hypertension-induced hearing loss.
The Lateral Temporal Lobe and Hearing
A study on the effect of sleep deprivation on hearing found that sleep deprivation led to changes in the frontal lobe which can impair language expression and perception. The study went on to state that the neurophysiological impairment of the lateral temporal lobe from sleep deprivation led to “changes of auditory abilities, including sound perception and the processing of auditory information.”
Sleep deprivation causes decreased auditory function in those with preexisting hearing loss and those without. Because of the adverse effects of poor sleep, it is essential to get your full eight hours every night.
Tips for Better Sleep
Life can sometimes get in the way of a good night’s sleep, but there are a couple of ways you can help improve your sleep, including:
- Setting a sleep schedule. Going to bed at the same time every night, even on weekends, will help let your brain know it is time to sleep.
- Put your phone away. Phones, computers and other devices emit blue light. Blue light can simulate daylight to your brain and make it think it’s time to wake up. Try storing your devices before getting in bed.
- Avoid caffeine. Try not to have caffeine too late in the day. Consider picking up some herbal teas at the Omaha Farmers Market on Saturdays to give yourself a decaffeinated nighttime beverage.
For more information on protecting your hearing health, contact Ear Specialists of Omaha & Bellevue today.